Head of Public Affairs

Mission

The Head of Public Affairs is responsible for leading and executing public affairs and government relations strategy of Renault Trucks and Volvo group legal entities in France. He/She reports to the Senior Vice President Strategy, Sustainability & Communication (and dotted to Volvo Group Public Affairs) with direct access to the CEO of Renault Trucks.

The role is responsible for:

• Shaping and implementing the public affairs agenda to promote and defend Renault Trucks’ and Volvo Group’s positions with policymakers, public authorities, industry associations and other key stakeholders ;
• Proactively influencing policies and regulations impacting the road transport sector, decarbonization, electromobility, digitalization and related industrial and sustainability topics ;
• Monitoring, analyzing and reporting on public policy and regulatory developments with direct impact on Renault Trucks’ business and operations.

The position plays a critical role in protecting and promoting the Volvo Group reputation and the company’s strategic interests, strengthening its credibility with public decision-makers, and supporting long-term business growth. Recognized as a thought leader in public and government affairs, the Head of Public Affairs acts as a trusted advisor to Renault Trucks’ Executive Management, and senior leaders on strategic political and regulatory matters.

Key responsibilities

• Public affairs & government relations strategy
  • Define, in close coordination with Renault Trucks’ leadership and Volvo Group Public & Government Affairs, a clear public affairs strategy for France, fully aligned with the company’s business strategy (electromobility, decarbonization, digital services, innovation, etc.), and support other Renault Trucks’ key markets with methodological expertise when relevant ;
  • Develop and drive a coherent public affairs agenda to engage targeted authorities, policymakers, regulators, and national associations in order to explain and advocate for Renault Trucks’ and Volvo Group’s messages and positions ;
  • Recommend operational strategies and advocacy plans with direct impact on the company’s operation, competitiveness, and positioning in the transition towards sustainable road transport.
• Advocacy and institutional relations
  • Represent Renault Trucks and Volvo Group in France towards public institutions at national levels (ministries, agencies, regulators, parliaments, local and regional authorities), as well as relevant industry associations and act as a single point of contact with the above-mentioned stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain a high‑level network of political, regulatory, and industry contacts to support the strategic objectives of Renault Trucks and the Volvo Group ;
  • Develop and implement government relations initiatives, including participation in trade associations, alliances, working groups and coalitions, and organize key engagements (site visits, high‑level meetings, roundtables) ;
  • Ensure effective coordination and alignment of Renault Trucks’ positions and other Volvo Group Business Areas in France, with Volvo Group and EU government affairs activities ;
  • Be the Volvo Group in France representative towards Swedish institutions in France (Swedish Embassy to France, Business Sweden, Swedish chamber of commerce).
• Policy analysis, positioning and internal influence
  • Continuously monitor and analyze public policy, legislative and regulatory developments related to road transport, climate, energy, environment, industrial policy, fiscal frameworks, infrastructure and mobility ;
  • Identify emerging policy and regulatory trends, assess risks and opportunities for Renault Trucks and Volvo Group, and prepare timely briefings for senior management ;
  • Lead the development of Renault Trucks and Volvo Group’s policy positions: coordinate with internal experts (engineering, manufacturing, sustainability, communication, legal, sales & marketing) to build evidence‑based positions and recommendations ;
  • Draft position papers, talking points and other advocacy documents for both internal and external use ;
  • Support corporate positioning and reputation in coordination with Communication and Sustainability teams ;
  • Provide guidance and educate internal business leaders and spokespersons engaging with public institutions and regulatory bodies ;
  • Manage the public affairs budget for Volvo Group in France, including memberships, external advisors, events, and studies, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

Profile & qualifications

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Law, Public Policy, International Relations, Economics or a related field. Additional education in climate/energy, transport and mobility is an asset ;
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in Public Affairs / Government Relations / EU Affairs, and/or in area of expertise within a large industrial company (transport, automotive, energy, mobility, infrastructure), and/or public institutions, ministerial cabinets, permanent representations, trade associations ;
• Good understanding of the business model and value chain of a truck manufacturer and its transport solutions (electromobility, digital and connectivity, services and uptime, TCO, …) ;
• Business acumen and results driven : Strong understanding of business priorities: Understands the company’s business model, revenue drivers, competitive environment and strategic objectives ;
• Deep understanding of public policies and regulations relevant to road transport and mobility, climate, energy and environment, industrial policy, innovation and competitiveness, the decarbonization of transport and related technologies ;
• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes in France, with good understanding of EU decision-making process, and best practices in advocacy and lobbying.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and policy topics into clear positions, narratives and recommendations ;
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical and synthesis skills ;
• Influence leadership: ability to build trust, align stakeholders and drive decisions without direct authority ;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to engage convincingly with senior external and internal stakeholders ;
• Autonomy : ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and drive projects ;
• Self-awareness and Continuous Learning ;
• Fluent in English and French (spoken and written) ;
• Ideally based in Paris, with regular presence in Lyon close to all internal stakeholders & experts, and occasional travels in Sweden.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted to Eleonore Para, Senior advisor at Mavence France, at eleonore.para@mavence.com

Chez Mavence, notre mission est de recruter les meilleurs candidats dans le domaine des affaires publiques. L’inclusion est en cela un élément essentiel de cette mission. Elle reflète tant notre conviction que la diversité des parcours, des origines et des expériences, renforce la résilience, l’adaptabilité et les performances d’une équipe, mais également notre engagement à rechercher, de manière rigoureuse, les meilleurs éléments pour un poste donné. En ce sens, nous accordons le même traitement à tous les candidats, quels que soient leur sexe, âge, origine(s), état civil, situation de handicap, orientation sexuelle, nationalité(s) et convictions politiques ou religieuses.

Contact Person

Éléonore Para – France