Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Advisor

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Advisor

Suburban Connect is a consortium of global leaders in tunnelling including CPB Contractors, Ghella and Acciona Construction delivering the Tunnels South package on Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East, on behalf of Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA).

We have a broad range of roles available to build our diverse and inclusive workforce, including construction and engineering, planning and environmental management, corporate support, administration, communications and many others.

SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill is now under construction, with tunnelling to start in 2026 and trains to be running by 2035.

Suburban Connect is constructing the 16kms of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley using 4 tunnel boring machines and a range of excavation methods. The works also include 55 cross passages, 2 tunnel portal structures, 2 station box excavations and associated supports.

About the Opportunity

To enhance the reputation of Suburban Connect and minimise the impact of community relations issues on projects through the management and co-ordination of internal and external stakeholder relationships.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Developing and implementing a regular program of stakeholder contacts/liaison meetings to build a perception of trust, honesty and reliability through action.
• Developing a systematic and user-friendly complaints handling procedure, developing action plans, monitoring progress and outcomes.
• Understand contractual requirements in relation to the community.
• Understand and effectively handle community concerns.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records on community relations issues and reporting key findings/status/trends on a monthly basis.
• Consulting with the Project Team to identify and anticipate community concerns and to understand the priorities and requirements of the Project team.
• Identifying target audiences, analysing needs and issues and developing tailored message content.
• Identifying and assessing business risks associated with community concerns on projects.
• Producing a Community Relations Plan to provide a positive image of Suburban Connect and the client(s) and to alleviate stakeholder concerns regarding projects.
• Creating and maintaining strong relationships with project teams, community groups, clients, consultants, the media and other key stakeholders, as required.
• Developing effective ongoing community relationships to prevent project delays due to community concerns and to enhance Suburban Connect’s reputation as an organisation that listens and responds to the community.
• Anticipating and clarifying community concerns to ensure issues can be handled proactively and project impediments minimised or removed.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Relevant degree or diploma e.g., Public Relations, Customer Service, Journalism, Communications, Media or similar tertiary qualification.
• Community relations/media experience.
• Exceptional organisational skills, be process-driven and capable of managing multiple workstreams at once.
• An understanding of construction processes and excellent writing skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts into plain English.

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.

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