About This Role
Directing government relations in Japan is the core of this role, leading engagement with the Japanese government, parliament, regulators, and key external stakeholders. The Director will also serve as an expert guide within Honeywell Aerospace to enable business growth in Japan and the region, representing the company's interests and guiding internal actions impacted by Japanese government policies. This position is based in Tokyo and aligns with the international GR team led from Brussels.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute Honeywell Aerospace’s government relations strategy for Japan, aligned with the company’s products, services, and overall business needs and priorities
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key ministries – Ministry of Defense (MOD), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) – Parliament, regulators, relevant industry bodies and key stakeholders in Japan
- Advocate for policies and regulatory outcomes that support advanced manufacturing, aviation safety, defense capability, workforce skills development, and supply-chain resilience
- Monitor, analyze, and proactively respond to Japanese legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting the aerospace and defense sectors
- Support similar responses as needed across the region
- Support the development and execution of Honeywell Aerospace’s government relations strategy in the broader Asia-Pacific region, supporting business priorities and local footprint
- Coordinate government engagement with broader international aerospace and defense policy priorities, working closely with global government relations and business colleagues
- Serve as a strategic advisor to business leaders in the region on government affairs risks, opportunities, and stakeholder engagement strategies to support current business activities and future growth potentials and priorities
- Enable and drive partnerships with major domestic aerospace and defense contractors (e.g., MHI, KHI, IHI) on joint government initiatives
- Represent Honeywell Aerospace in industry forums, coalitions, and events
- Drive brand recognition and excellence with key stakeholders
Requirements
- 10-12 years of experience in government relations or policy advocacy, ideally within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master’s/JD preferred)
- Deep understanding of Japanese political institutions and legislative processes, as well as good understanding of landscapes across the region
- Proven expertise in policy development, contracts and budgets pertaining to the Defense Ministry and/or the Transport or Research Ministries
- Experience engaging with Japanese authorities, providing insight into, shaping and responding to emerging and new legislative developments relevant to the aerospace sector
- Proven ability to identify and pursue Japanese government-funded research, development grants, and defense procurement programs
- Demonstrated experience influencing high-level policy, driving advocacy strategies, and shaping regulatory outcomes
- Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy, ensuring alignment with Honeywell Aerospace’s business objectives and working in a matrix environment
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills alongside excellent skills working independently with a strong entrepreneurial spirit
- Strong networking capability, engaging effectively with officials at local and national levels
- Native-level Japanese and business-level English proficiency required for cross-border stakeholder communication
Nice to have:
- Fluency or good command of other languages
Benefits
- Strong opportunities for professional growth within Honeywell Aerospace
- Comprehensive pension and medical insurance plan
Important Details
About the Company
Honeywell Aerospace became a fully independent company on June 29th, positioning itself as a global aerospace and defense leader with 36,000 talented employees globally. Its products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense, and space aircraft in the world, including aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, and navigation components.
