Strategic Partnerships & Growth Director

Export Finance Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place to Work

Flexible working

Parental leave

Health & wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Export Finance Australia is seeking a Head of Strategy & Commercial Partnerships to shape commercial growth and strategic partnerships across financial institutions, government bodies and industry groups. You will translate strategy into actionable plans, drive cross-functional initiatives and provide executive-level advice.

You will lead measurement of partnership value, develop market insights and craft board-ready materials, while collaborating with senior leaders to align priorities with

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary or vocational qualification in business, finance, economics, strategy or a related discipline and/or demonstrated experience operating in a business or commercial environment/ related field is essential.
• At least 8 years’ senior experience in corporate strategy, commercial partnerships, Commonwealth Government Business Enterprise, business development, financial services, consulting or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic partnerships and translating relationships into measurable commercial outcomes.
• Experience working with senior executives and Boards in financial services, government, trade, infrastructure or public-private sector environment.
• Strong understanding of lending, corporate or business finance ecosystems, including the role of referral and distribution partners.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing outcomes without relying on direct authority.
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic judgement and structured problem-solving capability.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify, assess and progress commercial opportunities while balancing strategic, customer and risk considerations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including concise Executive and Board-level materials.
• Strong analytical capability, including market assessment, business case development and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a commercial partnerships strategy that supports the commercial objectives of EFA business lines and consistent with the overall enterprise Strategy.
• Identify, assess and cultivate partnerships with banks, non-bank lenders, industry bodies, government agencies, trade organisations and other relevant ecosystem participants.
• Partner with business line leaders, internal stakeholders and frontline teams to build strong referral pathways, originate opportunities and convert strategic relationships into qualified commercial outcomes.
• Be a strategic adviser to the Executive and senior leadership team on commercial opportunities with financial services partners as well as industry and business groups to drive value creation through partnerships, engagement plans and governance arrangements.
• Develop and implement measurement benchmarks to monitor and assess the strategic value of partnership activities and provide insights on revenue generation, pipeline contribution, market and customer access.
• Translate market intelligence into practical recommendations for business growth, portfolio development and market engagement.
• Assess priority sectors, customer segments and partnership models to identify opportunities aligned with EFA’s mandate and risk appetite.
• Develop strategic options, investment rationales and business cases for new growth initiatives and partnerships.
• Coordinate cross-functional input to progress opportunities from initial concept through to an agreed delivery pathway.
• Develop a communications program to provide the Board, Executive and employees with data-led analysis and reporting on the Strategy and to the Chief of Staff & Chief Strategy Officer and Executive team.
• Lead planning and delivery of the Board Strategy Day and other key strategic planning forums.
• Prepare and refine high-quality Board papers, Executive submissions, briefing notes, presentations and strategic communications.
• Support decision-making by synthesising complex information, clarifying trade-offs and recommending practical actions.
• Build strong relationships across EFA to maintain alignment, momentum and accountability for agreed strategic priorities.

Skills

Senior strategy experience

Commercial partnerships

Board and executive liaison

Lending & finance ecosystems

Cross-functional leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement & negotiations

Opportunity identification & risk

Executive/Board level communication

Market insight & business case

Tools

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Job description

Export Finance Australia is seeking a Head of Strategy & Commercial Partnerships to shape commercial growth and strategic partnerships across financial institutions, government bodies and industry groups. You will translate strategy into actionable plans, drive cross-functional initiatives and provide executive-level advice.

You will lead measurement of partnership value, develop market insights and craft board-ready materials, while collaborating with senior leaders to align priorities with