Manager Government Relations and Industry Affairs

We are Woolworths Group

We are Woolworths Group. 200,000+ bright minds, passionate hearts and unique perspectives connected by a shared Purpose – ‘to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow.’ It’s that Purpose that fuels our ambition to explore new ideas, make brave commitments and innovate better ways to meet the food and everyday needs of more than 24 million customers every week.

If you’re excited to turn today’s blue sky thinking into a better tomorrow for future generations, you’ll find yourself supported and enriched in a dynamic, inclusive and empowering workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. With a culture of genuine care, a flexible approach to work and opportunities across the group to grow your career and make a meaningful impact, the possibilities for what we can achieve together are endless.

The Opportunity

The Government Relations & Industry Affairs Manager will be responsible for developing and executing Woolworths Group’s government relations strategy to support our Primary Connect business, as well as our industrial property portfolio.

The role will drive proactive stakeholder engagement with government, departments and industry bodies to support Woolworths’ commercial and reputational ambitions, as well as providing trusted advice on our advocacy opportunities and risks specific to these areas.

Operating proactively, requiring high levels of collaboration and drive, this role leads external stakeholder engagement in the supply chain and infrastructure fields, including at all three levels of government (elected and departmental) and relevant industry associations. It requires a strong capacity to ‘self-start’, strategic thinking as well as transactional execution and excellence in a fast paced environment.

It will require working in a highly collaborative way across the broader Government Relations and Industry Affairs team to achieve advocacy and reputational outcomes, noting there are strong interdependencies with managers responsible for regional Australia, resilience, property, sustainability, safety and industrial relations.

This role reports to the Head of Government Relations and Industry Affairs and will play an important role in successfully achieving the overall Group purpose, namely helping the business to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow.

What you’ll do

• Develop and implement a multi-year advocacy strategy for Woolworths Group's supply chain, focusing on policy development related to transport, infrastructure, and planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials at all levels to advance supply chain reform priorities, including securing infrastructure investments.
• Represent Woolworths at key industry forums, notably the Australian Logistics Council, to influence industry discourse.
• Engage with stakeholders to expedite industrial developments, addressing planning, infrastructure, and referral agency delays to enhance the supply chain and online delivery network.
• Showcase Woolworths' projects and initiatives to government and industry, collaborating with media teams to align with the broader advocacy agenda.
• Monitor political, policy, and sector developments to provide strategic advice and lead the drafting of submissions to government consultations.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and government relations within transport, infrastructure, or related sectors, with a deep understanding of Australian government processes.
• Proven ability to navigate complex political and policy environments, demonstrating strong advocacy skills and a track record of engaging with government officials and policymakers.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to articulate positions clearly in written submissions, reports, and presentations, and to collaborate effectively within a large organization.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, enabling the development and execution of effective advocacy campaigns and engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of current and future retail and political issues, coupled with a proactive and motivated approach to policy development and influencing.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as law, politics or communications.

What you’ll experience

• A progressive and flexible ‘Work from Anywhere’ policy that gives you more control over your work, life and wellbeing.
• A global business with endless career possibilities around every corner and across every discipline – with valuable exposure to a vast and exciting business network.
• Team discounts across our range of Woolworths Group brands you know and love and a robust rewards program that celebrates and incentivises purpose-driven work.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers plus paid superannuation for up to 12 months while the Team Member is on parental leave - eligible from the first day of employment

Everyone belongs at Woolworths Group

As one of the largest employers in Australia and New Zealand, we aim to create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels that they belong, can be their best selves, and reach their full potential.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are key to realising our purpose of better together for a better tomorrow. We recognise the value our team’s diversity brings to our business, customers, and communities and that teams with diverse experiences and backgrounds enrich our group and are better able to innovate and solve problems.

Woolworths Group is an inclusive, team-first company and we value all skills and experiences. If you meet some, but not all of the requirements, we encourage you to submit your application.