Senior External Communications Specialist

**Corporate Affairs Director Role**

• QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future.

With more than 8,000 employees worldwide - including 800+ in Australia - we deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.

Following a strategic redesign, we've sharpened our focus and are investing in the future - starting with the people who will help shape it.

Reporting to the Australian Chief Executive and working as part of the Australian Leadership team, this Corporate Affairs Director role will be responsible for leading the corporate affairs function, encompassing external communications, media relations, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and all external communications and marketing activities to support business strategic objectives.

This key role ensures that communications and engagements reflect the business values of integrity, collaboration, and performance, thereby enhancing the company's reputation and supporting business strategic objectives.

Whilst the preference is that this newly created role be based in Canberra, applicants from other Australian capital cities are welcome to apply.

This senior leadership post offers:

• Represent QinetiQ within the customer and industry community to build brand credibility and awareness
• Maintain a deep understanding of the political landscape and how politics will influence Defence budget and Defence procurement decisions
• Maintain strong relationships across Defence, government and key media stakeholders
• Represent the Chief Executive at Government, Defence and industry events and forums
• Collaborate with and support Group communication efforts to communicate relevant Australia Sector information to investors and ensure effectiveness and consistency of communications
• Establish a proactive approach to issues management
• In conjunction with Group Strategy colleagues, ensure an understanding of key Global strategies and identify options for growth and growth vectors across the Sector

The ideal candidate will present with:

• Significant experience in government relations, communications and / or marketing within Defence Industry or ASX listed companies in Australia, underpinned by relevant tertiary qualifications
• Demonstrated experience liaising with all levels of government, including clearly established relationships with appropriate senior government stakeholders and a strong network of senior defence and government contacts
• Demonstrated ability to identify and interpret complex policy and advisory issues in a clear and concise manner
• Experience in representing organisations at senior forums, and in developing and writing reports, presentation packages, briefing notes and agendas for diverse audiences
• Expert knowledge of the processes of government and defence including decision making, management, accountability systems, procedures and operations
• Demonstrated experience in successfully executing business development, customer relationship management and sales functions
• Demonstrated ability in leading high performing teams
• Strong understanding of campaign management in a corporate or political environment
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen

Due to the nature of our business, applicants must also be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance. Current security clearance, whilst not essential, will be well regarded.

Benefits include access to LinkedIn Learning, professional development, purchased leave program & loyalty leave, up to 18 weeks paid parental leave, complimentary salary continuance insurance, annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back, relaxed dress code and diversity and inclusion strategy aligned with reconciliation action plan.