Sr Manager, Government Relations

What is the purpose of this role?

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Manager of Government Relations to join the Australian Impact and Corporate Relations Team and lead our local government relations efforts. At Macca’s, the Impact and Corporate Relations’ mission is to make McDonald’s one of the most respected, trusted, and admired brands in the world! The Senior Manager of Government Relations will play a key role in the leadership of the Australian Impact team and works closely with across the business to identify, assess, quantify, prioritise and manage issues that affect our business from a reputational and regulatory perspective across local, state and federal governments. Lead the engagement with a broad range of stakeholders (including elected officials, their staff and trade associations). This role reports to the Senior Director of Impact and Corporate Relations for Australia.

What you will my key duties and accountabilities be?

• Play a key leadership role in the Australian Impact and CR team to support the development and delivery of the overall impact strategy to help McDonald’s Australia achieve its ambitions.
• Drive retention, engagement and attraction of the Impact & CR team
• Develop and implement McDonald’s long-term Government Relations strategy to drive positive business outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Federal and State officials and their staff to support McDonald’s Australia’s Business, Growth and Impact priorities.
• Prepare high-quality communications, including submissions and policy briefs.
• Coordinate with Global Impact teams and other key markets to align strategies and support the long-term business direction and provide McDonald’s Australia with insights on global regulatory risks.
• Engage, partner, and develop relationships with McDonald’s corporate leadership, Licensees, regional leadership (field and operations), and external stakeholders to drive GRPP and Impact strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to oversee initiatives and public policy commitments that span the value chain – from the supply chain through to the restaurant, customer, and community experience – and ensure integration with the overall business strategy and global impact goals.
• Manage and foster relationships with external groups, industry associations, key opinion leaders and other stakeholders to ensure McDonald’s business interests are met.
• Manage Agency Partner and Government Relations Specialist

Essential technical and behavioural skills

• Bachelors degree
• 8- 10 years of proven Government Relations experience
• Business Acumen/Strategic Perspective – understand the business and the strategic role of Government Relations.
• Personable networker and attuned listener who can work collaboratively to run bold priorities on behalf of team, both internally and externally. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in high pressure moments, handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of integrity in all they do 
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while being flexible, collaborative, and deadline-driven 
• Excellent communicator with ability to adapt & simplify messaging for various audiences & levels in the organization
• Strong background in project management and experience advising organizations and programs is preferred.