Senior Advisor, Digital Policy

Wesfarmers; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

Wesfarmers in Melbourne, Australia, is seeking a part-time policy professional to guide emerging digital, AI and technology policy issues. You’ll partner with senior leaders across Corporate Affairs, OneDigital and Wesfarmers’ operating businesses to shape advocacy and engagement with government, industry and key stakeholders.

The role focuses on translating complex policy into practical advice, tracking regulatory developments and balancing long-term priorities with fast-moving issues.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in public policy, regulatory or government affairs environments
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into practical guidance
• Strong stakeholder engagement with senior internal and external partners
• Ability to track, interpret and synthesise policy developments
• Attention to detail and excellent organisational skills

Responsibilities

• Shape Wesfarmers’ response to digital, AI and technology policy developments
• Partner with Corporate Affairs, OneDigital and divisional leaders across the Group
• Engage with government and industry stakeholders on policy issues
• Provide internal insight translating policy developments for audiences
• Support cross-functional advocacy and engagement activities

Skills

Policy expertise

Stakeholder mgmt

AI literacy

Regulatory tracking

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related

Tools

Microsoft 365

AI tools

Job description

• Part-time opportunity guiding Wesfarmers' position on emerging digital, AI and technology policy issues
• Partner with senior leaders across Corporate Affairs, OneDigital and Wesfarmers' operating businesses
• Shape advocacy and engagement with government, industry and key policy stakeholders

About your team

Our Corporate Affairs team has broad responsibilities, deeply aligned with Wesfarmers reputation, including corporate communications, Group corporate reporting, government relations, oversight of the Group’s reconciliation ambition, oversight of the Group’s sustainability policies and objectives, community partnerships, stakeholder engagement and the Wesfarmers Arts program.

With interests spanning retail, digital platforms, loyalty, health, industrials and energy, Wesfarmers is increasingly engaging on policy issues at the intersection of technology, AI, data and regulation.

About you

You are an experienced policy, government affairs or regulatory professional who enjoys translating complex issues into practical advice and working with senior stakeholders to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. You are confident tracking and interpreting policy and regulatory developments and supporting constructive engagement with government and industry stakeholders.

Just as important is your judgement and ability to build productive relationships with senior stakeholders across a complex organisation. You are organised, proactive and adept at balancing long-term policy priorities with emerging issues and fast-moving stakeholder requirements.

What you’ll do

Working 3 days (or equivalent hours) per week, you'll help shape Wesfarmers' response to emerging digital, AI and technology policy developments, partnering with Corporate Affairs, OneDigital and divisional leaders across the Group.

• Digital, AI and technology policy: work with OneDigital and divisional teams to identify key platforms, risks and opportunities for the Group, including stakeholder and reputational dependencies
• Industry engagement: support Wesfarmers’ participation in key industry and peer forums, including the Business Council of Australia and Tech Council of Australia
• Advocacy and stakeholder engagement: support the Group’s engagement with government and other stakeholders on broad digital, AI and technology-related issues
• Internal insight and advice: track, interpret and synthesise policy and regulatory developments and translate them for internal audiences
• Corporate Affairs support: contribute to Corporate Affairs’ engagement on digital, AI and technology opportunities and priorities

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, International Relations, Journalism or a related discipline preferred, but not essential where demonstrated experience is strong
• 10+ years’ experience in public policy, regulatory or government affairs environments, ideally relating to technology, digital platforms or data
• Ability to track, interpret and synthesise policy and regulatory developments for internal audiences
• Confidence supporting positive advocacy with government and industry stakeholders on issues that affect the Group
• Ability to build effective and productive relationships with senior stakeholders internally and externally
• Outstanding attention to detail, strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and issues
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and confidence applying AI and digital production tools

About Wesfarmers

As one of Australia’s largest listed companies, we’re proud of our longstanding contribution to Australians. We continually reinvent ourselves and invest in the businesses we own and operate, including leading retailers like Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Priceline. We also have an online offering, including OnePass and the Group shared data asset.

Our work doesn’t stop there, we operate in the industrials sector which supplies the nation with chemicals, energy and fertilisers, and industrial and safety products. And we participate in an integrated lithium joint venture, including the operation of a mine and concentrator and the development of a refinery.

Join the team at Corporate Office which provides support and advice across the Wesfarmers Group

The Corporate Office provides corporate services and support to the autonomous businesses within the Wesfarmers Group, enabling the achievement of Group objectives. It leads capital allocation and portfolio management for the Group and focuses on leveraging and enhancing the Group’s reputation to support attraction and retention of talent, securing investment opportunities and maintaining a low-cost capital. To do this, we need great people, working together and role modelling our values and ways of working.

Our culture

We’re results-focused, but we’re a business that cares. Here we are less about titles and more about everyone playing a valuable role. We provide autonomy and space with freedom to operate, quickly learning from mistakes because we know they are part of the way forward. We’re curious, open minded, and collaborative. And although we’re thought leaders, we’re humble, and willing to share knowledge and learn from one another.

We know that diversity fosters greater innovation and better customer connection, so we strive to create an inclusive and diverse work environment.

For brief enquiries please contact Wesfarmers Corporate Talent Acquisition via [e-mail]

We’re hiring the best and the brightest talent. Let’s start to explore the possibilities of achieving great things together.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.wesfarmers.com.au