Lead, Public Policy, India

About The Role

As a member of both Intuitive’s India team and the company’s Global Public Affairs (GPA) organization, you will shape and execute Intuitive’s government affairs strategy and engagement efforts across India. This role is responsible for advancing the company’s policy, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement priorities by building trusted relationships with policymakers, government officials and individuals at both state and central levels, trade associations, chambers of commerce, professional societies, and other influential stakeholder groups across India’s political and healthcare ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Director, Head of Public Affairs, India, in developing, implementing, and executing national, state, and local government affairs strategies that advance Intuitive’s business and policy objectives.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate policy, regulatory, and political developments that may impact Intuitive’s business, providing timely insights and recommendations to local and global leadership teams.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government officials, trade associations, professional societies, healthcare stakeholders, and other key influencers relevant to Intuitive’s business.
• Educate external stakeholders on Intuitive’s technology, policy priorities, and contributions to advancing healthcare innovation and patient outcomes.
• Draft, review, and manage strategic communications and engagement materials, including briefing documents, talking points, policy submissions, position papers, FAQs, and executive correspondence.
• Build strong partnerships with country leadership, including the General Manager and cross-functional teams such as Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Legal, and Commercial organizations, to ensure alignment on policy priorities and business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Public Affairs colleagues across the Asia-Pacific region and globally to advance coordinated advocacy efforts and strengthen Intuitive’s reputation among key stakeholders.
• Support the development and execution of stakeholder engagement initiatives, policy campaigns, thought leadership programs, and strategic partnerships that further Intuitive’s business and public affairs objectives.
• Manage and oversee government affairs agencies, consultants, trade associations, and other external partners to ensure effective execution of strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Represent Intuitive at industry associations, policy forums, government meetings, conferences, and other external engagements, serving as a credible and trusted company representative.
• Ensure all public affairs activities, communications, and stakeholder engagements are aligned with broader corporate objectives, policy priorities, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and secure strategic speaking opportunities for the Country General Manager and senior executives at government, healthcare, and industry events to elevate Intuitive’s visibility and thought leadership.

• Bachelor or Master’s degree.
• 12+ years of experience in strategic government/public affairs, healthcare, or government at the state or federal level.
• Deep knowledge of India’s political system; with experience in public policy strategy, implementation and engagement (optimally with respect to healthcare); or significant experience in a similar corporate role.
• Knowledge of India’s healthcare policy, medical society and reimbursement systems is highly desirable. This includes familiarity with relevant Departments and Ministries, including DoP, MoHFW, MEITY, NDHM, Commerce, Finance, Niti Aayog, DPIIT, Indian Society of Oncology, Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India and others; as well as the ability to advise senior leadership on key interactions with relevant stakeholders in this field regarding policy development.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex policies and positions on behalf of Intuitive.
• Ability to achieve success in a highly collaborative, fast-paced and team-oriented business environment, where results are dependent on a deep understanding of our business, the broader policy and health policy landscape, and the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Superior speaking and writing skills (including presentation skills) brought to all tasks, including synthesizing ideas into materials and developing policy and project-oriented messaging, memos, speeches, talking points and other internal and external documents.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to effectively analyze, write and deliver information and explain, advocate and negotiate positions and issues to a broad spectrum of individuals.
• Excellent organizational skills, especially ability to monitor and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization, building strong relationships and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders at the country, regional, and global levels.
• Willingness and ability to travel within India, as well as regionally and to Intuitive’s global headquarters, as required.

Leadership and Personal Attributes:

• Be a collaborative individual able to advise and influence a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and integrity and be known for building a working environment based on mutual respect and trust.
• Be willing and able to work effectively in high-stress, high-pressure situations.
• Be capable and willing to offer opinions and judgements while also being able to listen intently to, and build consensus with, others.
• Be a strong team player – able to jump in on projects as needed that may be beyond your scope and committed to the success of your colleagues.
• Superior management and organization skills, especially the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously in a global, matrixed environment.
• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple projects and deadlines and work with colleagues across multiple time zones.
• Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm for Intuitive’s business and goals.

Intuitive is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Intuitive is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.

As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.

Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.

Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.

Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.

Originally posted on Himalayas