Job Description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Senior Manager Communication & Engagement to lead strategic community engagement and stakeholder communication activities across a nationally significant infrastructure program.n
nThis senior leadership opportunity will see you driving engagement strategies, managing complex stakeholder relationships, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring community feedback is effectively integrated into project planning and delivery. The role plays a critical part in building trust, maintaining social licence, and supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure outcomes. n
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- Contract: 12-month contract with potential extension
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- Locations: Location: Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle OR Central Coast
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- Work Arrangement:
n • On-site role with adaptable work arrangements to balance operational and team needs.
n • Regular travel across project locations and other HSRA offices. Some evening and weekend work will be required to support engagement activities and operational commitments.
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About the Role n
nReporting to the General Manager, Project Communication, you will provide strategic leadership across communication and engagement activities within a designated project region. You will oversee engagement programs, manage sensitive stakeholder matters, and guide teams through complex community, property and construction-related issues.n




nThis role requires a highly experienced communications professional who can operate confidently in politically sensitive environments while delivering outstanding stakeholder outcomes.n
Key Responsibilities n
Strategic Leadership n
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- Lead the development and execution of communication and community engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
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- Provide expert advice on complex stakeholder, community and project-related matters.
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- Manage and mentor an experienced team of engagement professionals.
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- Drive continuous improvement, governance and compliance across engagement activities.
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- Contribute to strategic planning and organisational priorities.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Communications n

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- Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, landowners, government agencies and key stakeholders.
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- Manage sensitive and potentially contentious issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
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- Act as a senior representative in stakeholder meetings, community forums and public engagements.
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- Support issue resolution, complaints management and risk mitigation activities.
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- Develop innovative communication initiatives that foster transparency and trust.
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Project Delivery & Reporting n

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- Monitor stakeholder sentiment, emerging risks and community concerns.
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- Prepare executive-level reports, briefings and strategic insights.
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- Oversee engagement data collection, analysis and reporting.
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- Ensure engagement activities comply with legislative, regulatory and policy requirements.
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- Support procurement and administrative activities as required.
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About You n
nTo be successful, you will bring:n
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- Extensive experience (10+ years) in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs or communications leadership roles.
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- Demonstrated success delivering engagement strategies for major infrastructure, government or large-scale projects.
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- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including planning approvals, property acquisition, construction impacts and community issues.
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- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and foster collaborative workplace cultures.
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- Strong strategic communications, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
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- Experience preparing executive briefings, reports and strategic recommendations.
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- Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage risks, priorities and competing stakeholder interests.
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At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community. n
You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at

📌 Senior Manager Communication and Engagement (Bar Beach)
🏢 Chandler Macleod
📍 Bar Beach