Head of Government Relations and External Affairs

Head of Government Relations and External Affairs

• Make a difference, drive outcomes that make a significant impact
• Competitive salary plus incentive plan
• Located in our North Sydney head office

About us

As Australia’s largest private rail freight company, we are integral in keeping Australia’s economy moving. With a rich history dating back to 1855 we are incredibly proud of our heritage and the essential role we continue to play in supporting Australia’s supply chain. We haul a variety of freight including coal, intermodal containers, steel, and a range of bulk commodities and materials. 

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, this role will be accountable for managing all corporate affairs, external communications and internal communications across Pacific National. The role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on our business and industry. You will collaborate, shape and implement strategies that support our government engagement and advocacy objectives, enhance our corporate reputation, and ensure clear and inclusive communications across stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Leading corporate affairs initiatives to achieve critical rail related advocacy objectives
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with key government, industry group and regulatory stakeholders
• Developing and executing advocacy campaigns to influence public policy and shape industry regulations
• Providing strategic counsel to senior leadership on corporate reputation management and communication strategies
• Staying informed about industry trends, competitive activities and emerging issues to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.

About You

We’re seeking an experienced and thoughtful Corporate Affairs leader who enjoys working with purpose, brings people along the journey, and champions stakeholder engagement and strong communication. This is a unique opportunity for a high-impact professional who thrives in fast-paced settings and brings deep expertise in strategy, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Key skills, knowledge & experience you will bring:

• Extensive, proven experience in corporate affairs, public relations, government affairs, or related roles, with a proven track record of success in driving business outcomes
• Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and motivate a high-performing team
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business administration or a related field; post-graduate qualifications preferred
• Knowledge of transport or logistic trends regulations and best practices is desirable.

The benefits

We prioritise diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where every team member is valued and can bring their authentic selves to work. When you join us, you'll have the opportunity to: 

• Pursue growth and career development 
• Access mentoring programs 
• Enjoy paid parental leave up to 14 weeks (with superannuation) after just 6 months of service 
• Access our Employee Assistance Program for confidential counselling, free for you and your eligible family members 
• Benefit from novated leasing and discounts on select health insurance, travel, retail brands, and more. 

To find out more about Pacific National, our benefits and opportunities we offer, visit our careers page: www.pacificnational.com.au/careers.

We are seeking applicants who share our values: Make it simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own it. These values help us achieve strong connections with everyone we work with and play an important part in motivating us all to do our best work. 

Closing date

Applications close 8^th of June 2025

Next steps

Are you ready to be part of our future?

Click on the 'Apply' button and follow the prompts.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of​ the land on which we work, live and rail.​ We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the​ continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices​ of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.