Senior Communications Lead

Southern Ports; Albany, Bunbury, Shire Of Esperance; On-site; AUD 149,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing benefits

Salary sacrifice options

Purchased leave

Job summary

Southern Ports in Western Australia is seeking a Senior Communications Lead to deliver strategic communications across four WA regions, strengthening community value and regional relationship building. You will lead external communications, media relations, campaigns and events, and work with the Corporate Affairs team to raise brand awareness and support regional industry storytelling.

The role is a permanent full-time position within the Southern Ports Administration and Specialist Services

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior experience in communications, corporate affairs or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications, media relations, storytelling, campaigns and events.
• Drive community partnerships and sponsorships across four WA regions.
• Manage a small team within Corporate Affairs to strengthen regional ties.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Community engagement

Stakeholder management

Tools

Team leadership

Job description

Are you a bold thinker who can connect regional strengths with global opportunities and turn ideas into impact?

We're looking for a high performer with an adventurous spirit who lives, works and plays across one of four regions (South West, Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance and Perth) to join us on a full time basis as our Senior Communications Lead.

If you're ready to lead the delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives that bring Southern Ports' story to life, strengthen our reputation and build meaningful connections with our communities, keep exploring below!

What does a Senior Communications Lead at Southern Ports look like?

You’ll connect with a team, stakeholders and communities located across four regions in WA’s south to strengthen Southern Ports' relationships and deliver lasting community value.

Working as part of a talented Corporate Affairs team, you'll drive external communications, media relations, proactive storytelling, campaigns and events across our channels, helping to build brand awareness and showcase Southern Ports' role in supporting regional communities and industry.

You will lead a small dedicated team responsible for community partnerships and sponsorships, fostering stronger regional ties.

The finer details

This is a permanent full time role under the Southern Ports Administration and Specialist Services Agreement: https://www.southernports.com.au/docs/default-source/careers/southern-ports-administration-and-specialist-services-agreement-2025.pdf

Salary of $148,897 per annum (increasing to $156,342 on 1 January 2027), plus superannuation and a regional allowance (where applicable).

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore flexible working arrangements, annual health and wellbeing benefits, salary sacrificing and purchased leave options, and have the opportunity to travel across our regions

10+ years' senior experience in communications, corporate affairs or a related field, including developing and delivering strategic communication plans and campaigns is essential.

Curious to know more? Find the Position Description here:
https://www.southernports.com.au/docs/default-source/job-advertisements/pd-senior-communications-lead.pdf

What’s it like to work at Southern Ports?

We're a future focused organisation, working to seek out better ways to connect WA to trade partners around the world.

Our four sites in Albany, Bunbury, Esperance and Perth work as one to create strong regional ports and contribute to stronger regions.

Our people are agents of change. Innovators.

And our strength comes from the ocean. Every day we are in awe of its magnitude and beauty. We count ourselves lucky to live, work and play in such unique environmental settings and are acutely aware of our important role in protecting and enhancing these regional assets.

Our focus is very much on creating long-term value for our customers and community – not just today, but for future generations. All because we believe in better.

Feeling bold?

Application deadline: Tuesday 8th December 2026

The successful applicant must also:

• Hold a current Western Australian driver's licence
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card
• Pass a pre-employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol testing, and
• Provide a National Police Certificate that is within a six-month period.

We reserve the right to commence the recruitment process during the application period.

Southern Ports is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, gender, age, religion, sexual preference or disability. We encourage applications from all culturally diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. Southern Ports is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and impartial workplace with equal opportunities for all employees.