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

This senior leadership prospect 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

n
- Contract: 12-month contract with potential extension
n
- Locations:Location:Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle ORCentral Coast
n
- Work Arrangement:n n
- On-site role with flexible 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.
n

n

About the Rolen

Reporting 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





This role requires a highly experienced communications professional who can operate confidently in politically sensitive environments while delivering outstanding stakeholder outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadershipn

n
- Lead the development and execution of communication and community engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
n
- Provide expert advice on complex stakeholder, community and project-related matters.
n
- Manage and mentor an experienced team of engagement professionals.
n
- Drive continuous improvement, governance and compliance across engagement activities.
n
- Contribute to strategic planning and organisational priorities.
n

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

Project Delivery & Reportingnn
- Monitor stakeholder sentiment, emerging risks and community concerns.
n
- Prepare executive-level reports,



briefings and strategic insights.
n
- Oversee engagement data collection, analysis and reporting.
n
- Ensure engagement activities comply with legislative, regulatory and policy requirements.
n
- Support procurement and administrative activities as required.
n

About Younn
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs or communications leadership roles.
n
- Demonstrated success delivering engagement strategies for major infrastructure, government or large-scale projects.
n
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including planning approvals, property acquisition, construction impacts and community issues.
n
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and foster collaborative workplace cultures.
n
- Strong strategic communications, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
n
- Experience preparing executive briefings, reports and strategic recommendations.
n
- Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage risks, priorities and competing stakeholder interests.
n

n

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 https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

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