About the Role:
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is seeking an experienced Policy Manager to lead the development and delivery of ARC’s policy and advocacy agenda across workplace relations, economic & regulatory affairs, and risk & resilience.

Reporting to the Chief Policy Officer & Chief Economist, this senior role leads a team of policy advisors and is responsible for producing high-quality, evidence-based policy positions that advance the interests of Australia’s retail sector.

You will help frame ARC’s policy agenda in response to national challenges such as workforce pressures, regulatory burden, technological change, supply chain disruption, retail crime, sustainability and international competition. The role involves significant stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with ARC’s leadership, media, membership and industry engagement teams.

This is an opportunity to influence policy outcomes that affect more than one million workers and businesses across Australia.

About You:
You are an experienced and credible policy leader with a strong track record in public policy, advocacy or government relations. You bring intellectual rigour, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex political and regulatory environments.

You will demonstrate:

• At least 8, and preferably 10 or more, years’ experience in policy, advocacy, government or industry roles
• Strong understanding of the Australian political, economic and regulatory landscape, including significant experience engaging with senior levels of government departments and agencies
• At least 5 years’ experience leading high-performing teams, coordinating significant and complex deliverables, and ensuring high-quality policy outputs
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including submissions and briefings
• Proven ability to engage senior stakeholders, including government, regulators and industry leaders
• An ability to translate complex policy into practical, accessible guidance for businesses
• A collaborative leadership style aligned with ARC’s values

Tertiary qualifications in economics, law, public policy or a related discipline are required.

Postgraduate qualifications are desirable.

About Us:
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is the unified voice for the retail community in Australia. It represents a $444 billion sector that employs 1.4 million Australians across metropolitan, regional, and remote communities – making retail the largest private sector employer in the country and a significant contributor to the Australian economy.

Our membership spans the spectrum of retail, from family-owned small and independent retailers that make up 95% of our membership, through to our largest national and international retailers that employ thousands of Australians and support both metropolitan and regional communities every day.

We are committed to ensuring every Australian respects and celebrates the sustaining contribution of retail to our nation.

We promote flexible working arrangements for all employees which allows balancing working from home and working from our offices.

We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Australian South Sea Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ and culturally diverse candidates to apply.

To Apply:
If you are interested in joining a highly respected membership organisation that values respect, integrity, collaboration, accountability, and a focus on excellence, please apply.

Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter here via SEEK addressing the selection criteria.

Applications close 2 March 2026, however, applications will be reviewed as received and the position may be filled prior to the closing date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.