Location:
Barton, Canberra Employment type: Full time Remuneration: $140,000
- $160,000 plus superannuation Applications close: 13 November 2026 Lead complex client work across priority Australian industries CMAX Advisory is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Manager to work across a multi-sector portfolio, with a particular focus on resources, energy, health, education and other highly regulated industries. This is an opportunity to lead substantive client work while helping build CMAX’s growing multi-sector advisory capability. You will work at the intersection of government, policy, regulation and commercial strategy. You will lead complex engagements and workstreams, coordinate team delivery and help clients understand what is changing, what it means for their organisation and what they should do next. About CMAX Advisory CMAX Advisory helps organisations navigate government, shape their operating environment and turn strategic intent into practical and commercial outcomes. We combine the senior judgement, trusted relationships and responsiveness of a specialist government relations practice with broader capability across corporate strategy, strategic communications, political and regulatory analysis, market intelligence and execution. Our clients engage us for more than access or advice in isolation. We help them understand complex environments, influence decisions, manage risk, pursue opportunities and translate strategy into action. CMAX has particular depth in Defence and national security, alongside an established and growing portfolio across health, mining, resources, energy and other regulated sectors. Our teams bring together the right expertise around each client challenge rather than approaching it through a single service line. Position summary The Manager is responsible for leading complex client engagements and workstreams with limited supervision. The role manages day-to-day client relationships, coordinates team delivery and ensures advice and client products are strategically focused, commercially conscious and consistently high quality. We are looking for someone who can connect policy, politics, regulation and stakeholder expectations with clients’ organisational and commercial objectives. The successful candidate will be able to move confidently between analysis, advice and execution while building trusted client relationships and developing colleagues. Candidates are not expected to be subject-matter experts across every target sector. Strong transferable advisory capability,



curiosity and the ability to learn quickly and become credible in complex client environments will be equally important.

Key responsibilities
The Manager will:
• lead complex client engagements and workstreams with limited supervision
• manage day-to-day delivery across a portfolio of multi-sector clients
• develop a strong understanding of each client’s business, operating setting, government interface and strategic objectives
• analyse political, policy, legislative, regulatory and market developments affecting clients
• use their strong judgment and written communication skills to translate developments into practical advice, risks, opportunities and recommended actions
• develop government relations, regulatory engagement, stakeholder and strategic communications plans
• prepare high-quality submissions, briefs, policy papers, presentations, reports and executive correspondence
• coordinate team delivery and maintain clarity around priorities, responsibilities and deadlines
• manage engagements against agreed scope, budget, timing, effort and client expectations
• anticipate delivery risks and exercise sound judgement about consultation and escalation
• review work and provide clear, constructive feedback
• coach and develop Senior Advisors, Advisors and Graduates
• identify opportunities to deepen client relationships and provide additional value
• contribute actively to proposals, pitches and business-development opportunities
• support the development of CMAX’s multi-sector products, capability and market position. Qualifications and experience You will bring:
• a minimum of 5 years experience in government relations, public affairs, policy, corporate affairs, strategic communications, consulting, industry engagement or a related advisory field
• demonstrated experience leading complex projects, client engagements or advisory workstreams
• a strong understanding of Australian Government and parliamentary processes
• the ability to analyse legislation, regulation, policy and political developments
• excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills




• confidence advising clients and engaging external stakeholders
• experience managing day-to-day client relationships
• strong written communication skills and ability to draft a suite of client and government facing documents
• well-developed organisational skills and the ability to coordinate work across a team
• commercial awareness, including experience managing scope, effort, budgets and client expectations
• sound judgement and confidence handling sensitive or emerging issues
• experience reviewing work and developing less experienced colleagues
• a cooperative, responsive and outcomes-focused approach. Experience in one or more of the following would be highly regarded:
• mining and critical minerals
• resources and energy
• health and medical technology
• infrastructure and major projects
• another highly regulated or government-facing sector. Candidates are not expected to bring deep expertise across every area. We are looking for someone who can apply strong advisory skills across different sectors, develop knowledge quickly and recognise when specialist input is required. Our values CMAX’s culture is grounded in Integrity, Loyalty, Teamwork and Respect. We are looking for a Manager who models these values in their dealings with clients, colleagues and stakeholders. This means providing honest advice, exercising discretion, sharing knowledge, supporting team members and creating an environment of professional respect and shared accountability. Why join CMAX? This role provides the opportunity to lead significant client work while helping expand CMAX’s position across priority Australian industries. You will work closely with senior strategists, government relations practitioners, communications professionals and subject-matter experts. You will have genuine responsibility for client and team outcomes and the opportunity to help shape CMAX’s products, sector capability and growth pipeline. CMAX is large enough to provide complex and consequential work, but sufficiently focused for individuals to be visible, trusted and influential.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a short covering letter directly to the posting, or alternatively email to Nicole Elliott, Deputy CEO, ([email protected]) outlining the relevant experience and perspective you would bring to CMAX. CMAX Advisory welcomes applications from people with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

📌 Manager - Government Relations and Strategic Advisory (Resources, Energy, Education and Health) (Canberra)
🏢 Cmax Advisory
📍 Canberra