public policy specialist

Our client is a global technology leader operating at massive international scale. Across Australia and New Zealand, they build, operate, and scale the critical cloud and data centre infrastructure that powers the modern digital economy. Their operations sit at the intersection of technological innovation, massive capital investment, and long-term sustainability, working continuously to balance digital growth with energy efficiency, resource conservation, and community partnerships.


The Role

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Public Policy Specialist to join a high-performing ANZ public policy team.
In this role, you will lead external policy advocacy, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement focused directly on major data centre infrastructure. You will oversee a diverse and critical portfolio spanning energy market regulation, water utility efficiency, state and local development planning approvals, national security frameworks, and local community engagement.
Working across federal, state, and local government tiers, you will turn complex regulatory and engineering challenges into compelling, actionable policy positions that safeguard and advance essential infrastructure delivery.


Key Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis & Submissions: Author high-quality position papers, parliamentary inquiry submissions, formal regulatory responses, and briefing notes across all tiers of government.
• Energy & Sustainability: Lead advocacy on electricity market rules, renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), and sustainable building/environmental standards.
• Water Policy: Support regulatory strategy on water utility frameworks, water efficiency guidelines, and recycled water policy for advanced cooling infrastructure.
• Planning & Approvals: Collaborate with state and local government planning authorities on development applications, infrastructure zoning, and facility permits.
• Critical Infrastructure: Monitor, interpret, and respond to national security regulations, including the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the business at industry forums, consultations, and regulatory roundtables; foster strong, ethical relationships with policymakers.
• Community & Internal Alignment: Support local community consultation programs and partner closely with legal, Public Relations, and infrastructure delivery teams.

What You'll Bring

• Experience: 5+ years in public policy, government relations, regulatory affairs, or legal practice—specifically dealing with major infrastructure, utilities, or critical assets.
• Government Literacy: Thorough understanding of Australian legislative, planning, and decision-making frameworks across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
• Policy Craft: Exceptional drafting and analytical skills, with a proven ability to translate intricate technical and regulatory issues into persuasive advocacy under tight timeframes.
• Stakeholder Credibility: Confident track record of representing an organisation ethically and effectively in front of government officials, regulators, and industry peers.
• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.

Highly Regarded:

• Prior experience in the data centre, cloud, or broader tech ecosystem.
• Working knowledge of the National Electricity Market (NEM), water utility regulation, or state-level planning frameworks for major projects.
• Direct experience in local infrastructure community engagement.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification.

Your next step

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now'

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.