Policy & Government Relations Manager

Manager, Policy & Government Relations
National Peak Body | National Role
Salary: $150,000 – $160,000 + Super
Location: Open to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra or Adelaide
Hybrid & Flexible Working
Permanent, full-time

About the Organisation
Our client is a national peak body representing a specialised sector of the Australian building and construction industry. With a membership spanning sole traders through to large national businesses, the organisation exists to support its members, drive industry standards, and ensure the sector has a strong, credible voice in the policy and regulatory environments that shape its work.

The work this organisation does is consequential — the industry it represents plays a direct role in community safety outcomes across Australia. It is a purpose-driven environment with a collaborative national team and an active, engaged membership.

The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, this is the organisation's national government relations and policy function — a senior individual contributor role for someone who thrives operating at the intersection of industry, regulation, and political process.

The advocacy agenda is live and consequential. Queensland is currently in the midst of a regulatory framework reform that demands active, informed engagement. Following upcoming state elections, Victoria and New South Wales are also expected to present significant policy activity over the next six months. You will be the organisation's lead voice in those conversations — preparing the ground, building the relationships, and representing member interests with ministers, advisers, and departmental officials.

This role suits someone who knows how government actually works — not just in theory, but in practice. Someone who knows who to call, who the real decision-makers are, and how to make a compelling case in a ministerial office. The organisation engages across both sides of politics and you will be effective regardless of which party holds power.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and delivering the organisation's national advocacy strategy, working closely with the CEO and Board to advance member priorities across all levels of government.
• Building and managing relationships with ministers, ministerial advisers, and senior officials across relevant federal, state, and territory portfolios.
• Monitoring and interpreting legislative, regulatory, and policy developments across jurisdictions, identifying emerging risks and opportunities for the industry.
• Representing the organisation at government meetings, roundtables, parliamentary inquiries, regulatory consultations, and industry forums.
• Researching, drafting, and finalising high-quality policy papers, submissions, position statements, and government responses.
• Coordinating engagement with standards development organisations and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Producing clear, accessible member communications on advocacy developments — translating complex policy issues into practical information.
• Building coalition relationships with allied associations, peak bodies, and industry partners to advance shared positions.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Substantial experience in a government relations, public policy, or advocacy role — with a track record of influencing policy and regulatory outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with senior politicians and government officials; you're comfortable sitting across the table from a minister and making the case for your position.
• A strong working knowledge of the structure and processes of Australian government — federal, state, and territory — including how to navigate ministerial offices, departments, and regulatory bodies.
• Existing networks across government, ideally spanning multiple jurisdictions. A background in a ministerial office, government department, or parliamentary environment is highly regarded.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare polished submissions, briefings, and policy papers for senior audiences.
• The judgement and political acumen to navigate sensitive, contested policy environments with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to manage a complex, self-directed advocacy workplan and competing priorities independently.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the building and construction sector, or an adjacent regulated industry — you don't need to be a technical expert, but an awareness of how the industry operates and where it intersects with regulation is an advantage.
• Experience within or alongside a membership-based organisation, peak body, or industry association.
• Familiarity with the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, or building regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions.
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, political science, communications, or a related discipline.

Location & Flexibility
This is a genuinely flexible national role. The organisation will consider candidates based anywhere on the eastern seaboard or in Adelaide. Hybrid working arrangements are on offer, with the expectation of regular travel to Canberra and interstate as advocacy activities require.

What's on Offer

• A high-impact senior role with direct access to the CEO and Board — your work will shape policy outcomes with real consequences for the industry and the community.
• An active, varied advocacy agenda with genuine momentum — the policy pipeline is full and the sector is engaged.
• A collaborative, supportive national team culture with colleagues who care about the industry and the outcomes they're working toward.
• Hybrid working and real flexibility in where you're based.

How to Apply
This search is being managed exclusively by Cox Purtell. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sophie Kelly at Cox Purtell on (02) 9216 6700 or apply via the link below.

Applications will be reviewed on w/c 6th July.