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VP, Public Affairs

Clarios · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted May 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you brought corporate communications and government relations together under one voice.

What they are checking: Experience unifying functions, which is a stated goal of this newly created role.

Tell me about a time you had to change a senior leader's mind about how to handle a sensitive issue.

What they are checking: Influence and trusted advisor skills at the executive level.

What would you do

A community group raises concerns about lead emissions from a proposed plant. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Ability to engage honestly with community concerns rather than relying on messaging alone.

How would you work with the Global Chief Communications Officer while leading North America?

What they are checking: Ability to balance global alignment with regional needs in a matrixed structure.

How would you align communications with the company's growing aftermarket marketing investments?

What they are checking: Ability to coordinate public affairs with brand and marketing work across the business.

What would your first 90 days look like in this new position?

What they are checking: A realistic plan to build relationships and set priorities in a role with no prior holder.

About the work

Clarios may site new plants as part of a $6B US investment. How would you build community and government support for a new plant?

What they are checking: Real experience with siting, permitting and local relations for large industrial projects.

Walk me through how you would handle a product recall or safety incident in the media.

What they are checking: Crisis communication skills for a company whose products are in many vehicles.

How do you build relationships with state and federal officials before you need something from them?

What they are checking: Long-term government relations strategy rather than reactive lobbying.

How do you measure the success of public affairs work?

What they are checking: Use of meaningful outcomes beyond media mentions to show business impact.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Clarios.

What you will do- Clarios is seeking a charismatic leader with a passion for driving results to oversee and lead corporate communications and public affairs in North America, the company’s largest and most important market globally. How you will do it- The leader will shape the corporate communication and affairs agenda for the company in conjunction with the Global Chief Communications Officer. The role is a balance between strategy and activation for Clarios in North America for 1. Corporate Communications, 2. Brand Oversight and Positioning and 3. North America public affairs, government relations and community relations. A newly created position due to the strategic nature of the North American market, the VP will be expected to bring both communications and community relations together with a consistent voice to the market. The new leader will play a high-profile role in supporting the company’s bold $6B investment strategy to modernize and expand its US-based manufacturing. This effort may include the siting, construction and modernization of several plants in the U.S. The role will play a key role in building the public affairs strategy to support these investments and project. In addition, Clarios has increased its activity and investment in Aftermarket marketing and this leader will be tasked with ensuring alignment with these investments (including positioning and messaging) in conjunction with all other corporate marketing initiatives and in partnership with the US commercial sales team. The role will be a key member of the North American leadership team reporting directly to the President, North America with significant exposure to the Global Executive Leadership team, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and the VP/GM, OE Customers & Technology. What we look for - Required • Experience working in or with State Government, Local Government or active Non-Profit organizations • Proven leadership experience with measurable results inside large organizations • Ability to lead in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment • Willing to set strategy as well as execute tactics • Ability to use metrics to make informed decisions • Willingness to work across U.S. time zones and ability to travel (>50%) What you get: • Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire • Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts • Parental and caregiver leave programs • All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program • Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership • HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility • Clarios has been recognized as one of 2026's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the fourth consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction. Who we are: Clarios is the force behind the world’s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we’re not just making batteries; we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios—where your power meets endless possibilities. Veterans/Military Spouses: We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passion—where you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics. Equal Employment Opportunity: We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please apply. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to challenging the status quo. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or other protected characteristics protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to not discriminating against any applicant or employee based on these protected statuses. We will also take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process by emailing Special.Accommodations@Clarios.com . We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our teams in terms of work experience, area of expertise, and all characteristics protected by laws in the countries where we operate. For more information on our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equal opportunity, please read our latest report . We want you to know your rights because EEO is the law. A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process. To All Recruitment Agencies : Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

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