Head of Communications & Government Relations North America

DescriptionWe are looking for an experienced, strategically minded communications leader with a strong background in communications, public affairs and/or government relations. This pivotal role requires sharp business acumen, an agile mindset, and a hands-on approach to execution.As Region Head of Communications & Government Relations (CGR) for North America, you will be responsible for positioning the Hitachi brand and elevating its visibility among customers, policymakers, and society at large, fully aligned with our global strategy. You will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy across the region, manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and support global strategic planning processes. Reporting to the Chief Communications & Government Relations Officer of Hitachi Energy, and working closely with the Regional Business Leader, you will lead a high-performing team of communications professionals. You will also coordinate regional government relations activities in close collaboration with the Head of Global Political Affairs, while engaging with colleagues across our global communications network.This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of business, policy, and society.As Region Head of CGR for North America, you will play a central role in shaping and executing integrated communications and public affairs strategies that align with Hitachi Energy’s global objectives. Your main accountabilities will include:1. Regional Leadership of Communications & Government RelationsLead and oversee all CGR activities across the North American region.Manage and develop a high-performing regional CGR team, including strategic direction, performance oversight, and professional development.Coordinate regional Political Affairs efforts in alignment with the Global Head of Political Affairs, ensuring cohesive advocacy and engagement strategies with policymakers and regulators.Ensure full alignment of regional initiatives with global CGR strategies, messaging, and priorities.2. Brand Positioning and ManagementActively contribute to the evolution and refinement of the Hitachi Energy brand narrative as a member of the global CGR leadership team.Ensure consistent and effective deployment of brand positioning across all communications activities, touchpoints, and channels in the region.Safeguard brand integrity and visibility while tailoring messaging to regional market dynamics and stakeholder expectations.3. Strategic Communications PlanningDevelop and implement integrated internal and external communications strategies that support business growth, market positioning, and employee engagement.Lead the regional planning and budgeting process for all CGR activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and global frameworks.Work closely with regional HUBs and global CGR colleagues to ensure effective coordination and execution of strategic communication plans.4. Team Leadership and Cross-Functional CollaborationInspire and guide a team of communications professionals, fostering collaboration, creativity, and high performance across regions and functions.Build bridges across business units, functions, and countries to ensure a unified and agile communications approach.Serve as a key advisor and sparring partner to the Regional Business Leader and senior management team.Core Areas of ExecutionUnder your leadership, the Region North America CGR team will deliver impactful communications across the following areas:Content Development and Management - Lead the creation, curation, and delivery of compelling content for internal and external audiences. Ensure messaging is consistent, aligned with business priorities, and resonates with regional stakeholders.Executive Positioning - Strategically position regional executives as thought leaders within the energy industry, supporting their visibility at high-profile events, in media, and across digital platforms. Develop speaking engagements, authored content, and public appearances that reinforce the company’s vision and leadership.Media Relations - build and nurture strong relationships with key media outlets across North America. Oversee the development and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other materials that effectively tell the Hitachi Energy story. Provide media training and support to spokespeople, ensuring confident and consistent external representation.Digital and Social Media - Direct the region’s digital communication strategy, including oversight of social media presence, campaigns, and content. Leverage data and insights to optimize engagement and visibility across platforms.Event Communications - Design and implement communications strategies for major events, including industry trade shows, leadership summits, and internal gatherings. Ensure seamless coordination and messaging consistency across event touchpoints.Crisis and Issues Management - Develop and implement robust crisis communication protocols in alignment with global policies. Act as a key member of the crisis response team, safeguarding the company’s reputation during critical incidents.Internal Communications - Drive employee engagement through timely, transparent, and motivating internal communication. Foster a strong sense of purpose and alignment across teams by reinforcing strategic priorities and cultural values.Stakeholder Engagement - Manage strategic relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including employees, media, government entities, industry associations, and customers. Ensure open, effective, and consistent communication that supports business outcomes and strengthens trust.Compliance and Governance - Ensure all communication activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.Its great if you have Knowledge and Skills in:The ideal candidate will bring a broad and deep skillset developed over a career of strategic leadership in communications and public affairs, with proven success in complex, international environments. Key requirements include:Extensive Experience – a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in communications, media relations, event management, and/or public/government affairs, ideally in a multinational, matrixed organization.Cross-Functional Communication Expertise - demonstrated ability to lead across the full spectrum of communication disciplines including brand management, media relations, internal communications, digital and social media, editorial content, and crisis communications.Strategic and Operational Planning Skills - strong planning, prioritization, and organizational capabilities with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.In-Depth Knowledge of Communication Practices - a deep understanding of effective communication tools, methodologies, and best practices, as well as the ability to tailor strategies for different audiences and regions.Digital Fluency - solid understanding of digital communication platforms and the strategic use of social media to build reputation, drive engagement, and support business objectives.Business Acumen - strong commercial awareness with the ability to link communication efforts to business strategy, performance, and market impact.Global Mindset with Multicultural Competence - outstanding interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse cultural and functional contexts.Sector and Regional Knowledge - international work experience is essential. Direct experience in the North American region and/or the energy or technology sector is a significant advantage.Executive Presence and Influence - experience working directly with senior leadership teams; ability to provide strategic counsel, influence decision-making, and represent the function at the highest levels.Stakeholder Engagement - proactive and diplomatic communicator with a track record of engaging local and regional business partners, government bodies, and internal stakeholders with impact and integrity.Language Proficiency – Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.Equal Employment Opportunity(EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesProtected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.