Director, Government and Industry Affairs

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Director, Government and Industry Affairs

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, this role will provide senior strategic leadership for all government and industry affairs activities in Canada for the Crop Science division. This role directs, organizes and controls the management of Crop Science’s government and industry activities in Canada fulfilling both the requirements of local laws and according to the parameters given by Bayer globally. The jobholder is accountable for defining the necessary Bayer strategic actions towards Federal and Provincial agriculture policies by utilizing maximum industry engagement and collaboration for positive policy outcomes in all areas of the Crop Science business (Chemistry, Seed & Traits, Climate Corp.). Works closely with all PASS functions in Canada, regionally and globally, and with various cross-functional teams (Climate Corp, Regulatory, Marketing, Research and Communications) in support of achieving Crop Science business goals and objectives. Provide strategic counsel and support to the CS Country Division Head and management team in all matters concerning government and industry affairs. This role advocates, protects, maintains and enhances Bayer’s reputation amongst external stakeholders and political decision-makers.

Bayer is committed to a flexible hybrid working environment. This is a permanent position that can be based out of our office in Ottawa.

What you will do:

Outreach to senior federal officials

• Coordinate meetings with the Office of the Minister responsible for Agriculture, Trade, Science/Innovation, strategic MPs
• Attend parliamentary and senate committee meetings and serve as witness when requested
• Share relevant materials with senior officials on regular basis
• Domestic: Monitor and guide emerging domestic policy developments and advise leadership
• Tariffs, Ag Policy Framework, National Food Strategy, Biofuels
• International: Work with like-minded countries to enable market access for pipeline products and MRLs in the EU, China and other
• Communicate how Bayer technology platforms support government mandates.
• Outreach to senior ON and QC officials.
• Coordinate meetings as needed with Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources.
• Manage FTO surrounding CP products including glyphosate and neonics.

Industry Affairs (10%)

• Lead strategy and work with IA BP to implement IA plan to support the business.
• Engage and leverage industry associations (CCC, CLC, CGC, CFA, Canadian Chamber of Commerce) to advance company policy priorities through industry Working Groups and Government Panels
• Participate and engage stakeholders at key field day activities
• PMRA field day, Ennotville research farm, farm shows
• Participate and input into FTO team regarding emerging issues
• Work with IA BP to drive safety and sustainability messages attached to tools of modern agriculture including the contribution of glyphosate and neonics to reducing the env. footprint
• Develop, recommend and support implementation of aligned partnership projects and collaborations with governments, industry organizations, academics and NGOs
• Bayer $45 M canola investment in Winnipeg
• Glyphosate in forestry
• Neonics and potato industry

Advocacy (10%)

• Contribute to Bayer.net
• Accept and engage with local civil society and policy think tanks (e.g. Agrifood Index, CAPI)

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Business, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Twelve (12) years of experience in public policy work, government affairs, public or industry affairs or similar field
• Understanding of biotechnology, crop protection and the Canadian (plant) agricultural industry.
• Demonstrated experience with a wide range of agriculture and food supply chain stakeholders, policies (including regulation,market access, trade) and processes
• Knowledge of federal and provincial laws, regulations and trade disciplines governing biotechnology, crop protection, and seeds affecting plant agriculture, including use, domestic and international implications
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and effective relationships with employees, government and industry personnel, special interest groups, communities and other stakeholders
• Strong curiosity, learning capacity and independent decision-making ability
• Strong business acumen with an agricultural focus
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and provincial policy development and implementation processes
• Excellent presentation (written and verbal) communication skills
• Proven ability as self-starter, and effective problem solver with strong analytic skills
• Ability to distill complex scientific and technical information and communicate effectively for lay audiences
• Effectively deals with ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty
• Ability to quickly step in and support objectives outside of direct business portfolio
• Exceptional presentation skills
• Bilingual (EN&FR) would be an asset
• Willingness and ability to travel (domestic and international)

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation and rewards package
• Collaborative, diverse and inclusive culture
• Career development and global opportunities
• Work-life flexibility programs such as flex hours, employee discounts, volunteer days, wellness, and other employee offerings

Bayer is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of Inclusion and Diversity. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences and believe that our people are our most valuable asset. The collective sum of individual life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities that our employees invest in their work represents our culture, reputation, and Bayer’s values and purpose.

The base salary range for this role is between $164,800 and $214,800. Additional compensation may include a bonus or incentive compensation. Additional benefits may include insured benefits such as health care, vision, dental, disability, and contributory retirement savings plans, etc.

This role also provides the opportunity to earn additional performance-based compensation. If performance-based compensation is earned, the total compensation package may provide an opportunity to earn a Total Direct Compensation (TDC) range of $271,600 to $321,600. This TDC would include base salary and may also include items like bonuses (short-term and long-term incentives) and sales incentives. The estimated TDC range estimates performance-based compensation earned at 100% of target; however actual amounts may fluctuate below or above the TDC range based on company and/or individual performance.

This role is posted for a vacant position.

This posting will be available for application until at least August 14, 2026.

#LI-CA

We use AI tools to support our recruitment process, including helping us organize applications and identify early matches based on role criteria. Every rejection decision is made by a human.

Location: