Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Job Title:

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Location:

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Role Type:

Permanent Full Time

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+ here 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.

If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there's never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia's sovereign industrial capability for the future.

Reporting to the Australian Chief Executive and working as part of the Australian Leadership team, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer will be responsible for leading QinetiQ Australia's corporate affairs function, encompassing external communications, media relations, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and all external communications and marketing activities to support the 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.

If you join the QinetiQ team in this senior leadership post, you will:

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 the 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 to ensure effectiveness and consistency of communications

Establish a proactive approach to issues management

In conjunction with Group Strategy colleagues, ensure an understanding of the key Global strategies and identify options for growth and growth vectors across the Sector

As an ideal applicant, you'll 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.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach, Talent Acquisition Director ). A position description is available upon request.

Closing date for applications is 26 August, 2025

Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You'll share in the company's success, and be rewarded for your own. We'll invest in your development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional development

Flexible work

Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

Annual incentive scheme

Complimentary salary continuance insurance

Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back

Relaxed dress code

As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans and First Nations people.

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.