Director, State Government Affairs

Hanwha Energy USA•Austin, TX

About The Position

The mission of Hanwha Energy USA’s Government Affairs team is to grow America’s energy infrastructure and create new business opportunities through proactive policy advocacy and relationship-building. The Director of State Government Affairs is a strategic leader responsible for enabling Hanwha’s U.S. market expansion by shaping state regulatory policy and energy market structures, supporting project development, growing Hanwha’s relationships, and driving government affairs strategies at the state, local, and federal levels. The focus for this position initially will be Texas and ERCOT, with the possibility to engage in other regions as business needs arise. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in policies affecting ERCOT markets and energy project development, strong relationships with the Texas state government and legislature, and a track record of shaping outcomes that support energy growth. This role will support a range of projects including natural gas infrastructure, solar and battery storage, data center development, and retail electricity. This position will be reporting to the Vice President, Government Affairs.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Texas government affairs, regulatory affairs, energy market policy, or related energy-sector leadership roles.
Prior government experience preferred.
Deep knowledge of key policy issues affecting energy project development in Texas, such as energy market rules, data center policies, state permitting, interconnection and transmission planning processes, and tax issues.
Strong relationships with decision-makers within Texas state agencies and the legislature.
Exceptional communication and executive presence.
Prior leadership experience within natural gas, renewable energy, data center, or utility sectors.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Public Policy, Law, Business, Energy Economics, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Champion Hanwha Energy regulatory strategy with state agencies (e.g., PUCT, TCEQ, RRC), ERCOT, and local governments. Engage in other states/regions as needed.
Evaluate and help shape ERCOT market rules related to rates, interconnection, transmission planning, and storage participation as well as PUCT rules related to competitive retail electricity.
Assess policy developments to determine commercial impact and guide executive decision-making.
Represent Hanwha Energy USA in rulemaking processes, technical conferences, stakeholder groups, and formal filings.
Execute Texas legislative affairs strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives. Engage legislatures in other states as needed.
Drive advocacy efforts on state legislation impacting energy development, including energy permitting, tax matters, data center issues, etc.
Build and foster relationships with Texas Senate and House members, state legislative committees, state agencies, the Texas Congressional delegation, and state energy trade organizations/coalitions.
Develop policy positions, talking points, testimony, and executive briefings.
Create new business opportunities through policy insights and engagements.
Identify and advance external market conditions that support project development and long-term growth.
Provide early intelligence on market risks, opportunities, and emerging policy landscapes.
Collaborate with Development, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial teams to align advocacy with commercial strategy.
Support project-specific siting, permitting, and community engagement strategies as needed.
Represent Hanwha Energy in a broad array of energy policy matters.
Lead internal education on regulatory updates, advocacy priorities, and market design.
Manage external consultants, trade association participation, and industry coalitions.