Government & Stakeholder Relations Manager

This strategic role will serve as the primary liaison between the business and key external stakeholders, including government departments, municipalities, regulators, industry bodies, community representatives, consultants and project partners. The successful candidate will play a critical role in facilitating approvals, managing stakeholder engagement and building the relationships required to support the successful development of a significant industrial investment.
 
This opportunity is ideally suited to a highly connected professional with experience navigating government structures, managing complex stakeholder environments and supporting large infrastructure, industrial, mining, manufacturing or development projects.
 
Key Responsibilities

Government & Regulatory Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, provincial and municipal government stakeholders.
• Represent the company in engagements with government departments, regulatory authorities and public institutions.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory and policy developments that may impact the project.
• Facilitate communication between the business and relevant government stakeholders.
• Support the acquisition of permits, licences and statutory approvals required for the development and operation of the facility.

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders, business forums, industry associations and other key stakeholders.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and engagement initiatives.
• Proactively identify and address stakeholder concerns.
• Promote constructive relationships that support project objectives.

• Coordinate and monitor regulatory submissions and approval processes.
• Liaise with environmental consultants, engineers, legal advisors and project teams.
• Support applications relating to:
  • Environmental Authorisations
  • Water Use Licences
  • Atmospheric Emission Licences
  • Waste Management Approvals
  • Municipal Approvals
  • Building Plan Approvals
  • Utility Service Applications
• Maintain accurate records and tracking systems for all approvals and compliance activities.

• Engage with local authorities on planning, zoning, development and infrastructure matters.
• Coordinate discussions relating to municipal services, utilities and development requirements.
• Support the resolution of issues that may impact project implementation timelines.

• Support stakeholder communication and public participation initiatives.
• Assist in managing the organisation's external reputation and stakeholder relationships.
• Contribute to community development and corporate social investment initiatives where required.

• Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Public Administration
  • Political Science
  • Law
  • Public Relations
  • Communications
  • Environmental Management
  • Business Administration
  • Or a related discipline
  • 8 to 15 years' experience in: Government Relations, Stakeholder Relations, Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, External Affairs

• Demonstrated experience engaging with government departments, municipalities and regulatory authorities.
• Experience working on industrial, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, mining or development projects will be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of public-sector engagement, stakeholder management and regulatory processes.