We currently have an exciting new opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Government Relations Manager to join our Corporate Affairs team.
This newly created role is tailored to the third runway project, which is a high-profile infrastructure project requiring strong and consistent stakeholder management and strategic government engagement skills to secure Melbourne Airport’s social license to grow.
The position will coordinate interactions with local, state, and federal government departments, agencies and Members of Parliament, ensuring timely approvals, policy alignment, and collaborative partnerships that support the successful delivery of the project.
The role supports Melbourne Airport’s Planning and Setting teams navigate a comprehensive regulatory and environmental approvals process as well as coordinates the information flow of project updates to government stakeholders.
Reporting to the Head of Public Affairs, the position will act as the primary liaison between the project team and government agencies, and the position will advocate for the project's benefits to ensure stakeholders have an understanding and awareness of the project.
The position will also contribute to submissions, briefings, and content related to the third runway, including presentations and speaking notes for senior leaders and executives.
Explore how we are thinking big with exciting projects like the Third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments. You can learn more about life at Melbourne Airport – our culture, values, and what makes us unique.
Key Responsibilities:
The role's duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Monitor and analyse relevant political, regulatory, and public policy trends.
- Proactive approach to identifying emerging issues and coordinating advocacy activities across internal and external boundaries.
- Build and maintain relationships with government, industry bodies, and regulatory agencies.
- Excellent networking capability, inter-personnel, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to work on and manage multiple stakeholders to support regulatory approvals.
- Advocate Melbourne Airport’s position with legislative and regulatory bodies, in private meetings, and at external events regarding the merits and consequences of proposed policy settings. Serve as a key advisor to the leadership team during critical moments.
- Recommend to internal decision makers how policy and advocacy strategies can be designed and deployed to deliver optimal project outcomes.
- Driving engagement plans with senior leaders and SMEs – ensuring Melbourne Airport is engaging with the right people at the right time.
- Liaise with industry and relevant associations to promote project benefits.
- Engage with industry associations, policy makers and consumer groups to help shape project messaging and provide influential stakeholders with information to enable them to form well-founded, fact-based viewpoints.
- Lead the development and implementation of the third runway’s government relations program.
- Identifying, developing and managing senior political, government departments and regulatory stakeholders.
- Proactively framing action plans to emerging political and policy opportunities & risks.
- Collaborating with other team members in support of business objectives.
- Routinely visit local MPs/Councillors and their staff in their electorates, at community events or related industry functions to maintain support for the project.
Requirements:
The successful candidate will have:
- Tertiary qualifications in commerce, law, political science or related area of study.
- Experience in transport, infrastructure, energy or equivalent industry association highly desirable.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in a political office, corporate affairs consultancy, government department or regulator.
- Knowledge of parliamentary processes, the Australian political landscape, project management skills and a strong understanding of public policy and regulatory environments.
- Extensive experience in multi-jurisdictions, as well as major project and policy delivery in regulated industries.
- Strategic thinker with experience in issues management.
About the Company:
Melbourne Airport (Australia Pacific Airports Corporation) is proud to be one of Australia's premier transport hubs and Victoria's gateway to the world, connecting us to the global marketplace. We are committed to creating connections that matter and enhancing the traveller experience across every aspect of our organisation to deliver our vision of becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination.
Culture and Values:
By joining the team at Melbourne Airport, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on our people and their development. Our vision is to become Australia's favourite Airport destination and our people are paramount to achieving this success.
Benefits:
- Free access to Higher State, our state-of-the-art Fitness Club & Wellness Hub.
- Airport car parking 24 hours/365 days a year for both business and personal use.
- Hybrid flexible working arrangements.
- Airport Holiday, an additional day of leave.
- Wellness Day, a further additional day of leave.
- Discounted onsite childcare.
- Mental health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Long-term career and professional development opportunities.
- Active social culture and participation in a range of social impact days and activities.
- Signature Experiences including an airfield family day.
- Access to an employee benefits scheme including access to corporate rates and airport retailer discounts.
APAC is committed to weaving Diversity into our DNA. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion will help us realise our greatest potential as a company, and maximise the potential of all our team members.
APAC provides equal opportunity and advancement in employment regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability or socioeconomic background.
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📌 Government Relations ManagerR
🏢 Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne
📍 Melbourne