Head of External Affairs

• 12- month Fixed‑term role with strong potential for extension.
• Flexible location across Australia.
• Lead national external affairs for a trusted sovereign defence partner.
  
  
  

About the Role

Due to an internal promotion, Babcock is seeking a highly skilled Head of External Affairs to join our Corporate Affairs team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping Babcock’s position as a trusted sovereign defence and national security partner across Australia and New Zealand. It leads our government relations, public policy, industry engagement and external stakeholder strategy, ensuring our work aligns with federal and state priorities, Defence policy settings and the broader strategic environment.

As the senior leader for external affairs, you will drive meaningful engagement with government, Defence, industry bodies and key partners, strengthening Babcock’s reputation and influence. You will provide strategic advice on policy, regulatory and political developments, guide executive engagement with ministers and senior officials, and ensure our external activities reflect global corporate affairs standards and our international brand.

You will oversee coordinated stakeholder engagement across Australia and New Zealand, representing Babcock at industry forums, consultations and strategic discussions. Your leadership will shape our approach to issues management, reputational risk, sovereign capability initiatives and community engagement, ensuring our licence to operate remains strong and aligned with government expectations.

Working closely with our Marketing, Communications and Media teams, you will help shape thought leadership, capability narratives and public‑facing content that reinforces Babcock’s strategic positioning. You will also lead a small, high‑performing team, manage external advisors and industry partnerships, and ensure compliance with governance, lobbying regulations, Defence security protocols and trade controls.

This is a rare opportunity to influence national capability, contribute to Australia and New Zealand’s strategic priorities, and play a central role in advancing Babcock’s mission.

To be successful, you will bring

• Australian Citizen with a Defence Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain).
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, international relations, law, communications or related fields.
• Senior experience in government relations, public policy, external affairs or public sector leadership within Defence, aerospace, national security or a highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with senior government officials, Defence leaders, industry bodies and strategic partners.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable insights.

Your future at Babcock – what we offer you 

• Our agile working policies offer more choice and autonomy. For you, this could mean flexible start and finish times, a mix of office and home working, or even condensed working weeks.  
• Our work life integration policy offers attractive leave entitlements including (not limited to) wellbeing leave, volunteer leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave, and we are proud to be a Work180 endorsed employer. 
• Babcock’s supportive and engaging environment, coupled with our capability framework, aims to advance your career with internal development programs, self-led learning modules through LinkedIn Learning and access to study leave. 
• Our beRewarded platform offers endless discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel and much more, plus novated leasing options and corporate shares plan. 
• As a principles driven organisation, our weRecognise program aims to recognise the outstanding work our people do each and every day in line with our Principles which are Be kind, Collaborate, Be Curious, Think Outcomes, Be Courageous and Own & Deliver.
  
  

Who we are

Babcock Australasia combines the best talent and in-country expertise while leveraging the rich 130+ year global heritage of Babcock International Group, a FTSE 100 international defence company. 

Our team of 1,800+ experienced staff ensure critical services and assets are readily available, affordable, and future proof. From maritime sustainment and secure communications, to lifesaving helicopter missions and managing critical fleets, we ensure our customers are equipped to fulfil their mission

So, if you would like to join us and help create a safe and secure world, together, please apply via the ‘Apply Now’ button below.

To learn more about Babcock visit www.babcock.com.au

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experience however, due to the defence orientation of this role, the successful candidate must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance, as defined in the AGSVA guidelines.

Please note, should your application progress you may be required to complete pre-employment checks.  These checks may include but not limited to, reference checks, police check, security check, qualifications and right to work.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant

Job Req ID: 72807