GENERAL MANAGER CORPORATE AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Organisation

The Motor Trade Association of Western Australia (MTA WA) is the peak representative body for Western Australia's automotive industry, supporting thousands of businesses and the people who keep WA moving.

Through advocacy, industry representation, workforce development and training delivery, MTA WA plays an important role in supporting a thriving and future-ready automotive sector. In addition to representing industry interests, the organisation operates one of the State's largest automotive training providers, working closely with employers, apprentices, government and industry stakeholders.

With a recently endorsed new strategic direction, MTA WA is undertaking a significant transformation focused on industry leadership, workforce development, advocacy excellence and long-term sustainability. This is an opportunity to join an organisation with genuine momentum and help shape the future direction of a critical Western Australian industry.

The Position

Reporting to the CEO and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead MTA WA's advocacy, policy and stakeholder engagement function. This role has been created to strengthen the organisation's influence, advance industry priorities and help deliver meaningful outcomes for members and the broader automotive sector.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering MTA WA's advocacy and government relations strategy.
• Building relationships across government, regulators, industry and key stakeholders.
• Leading policy development across workforce, skills, training and industry reform priorities.
• Supporting the CEO with strategic government engagement and advocacy initiatives.
• Preparing submissions, policy positions, briefing papers and stakeholder communications.
• Identifying government funding, grant and partnership opportunities.
• Coordinating advocacy priorities and stakeholder engagement across the organisation.

About You

A strategic and commercially minded government relations, advocacy, public policy or corporate affairs professional, you will possess the ability to influence outcomes and build trusted relationships. Your experience is likely to include:

• Experience in government relations, advocacy, policy or corporate affairs.
• Success influencing policy outcomes and engaging senior decision-makers.
• Preparation of advocacy strategies, submissions and briefing materials.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.
• Experience within government, industry associations, consulting, corporate affairs or regulated sectors.
• Strong written communication, analytical and influencing skills.
• Leadership capability and the ability to drive outcomes across a complex organisation.

Most importantly, you will bring energy, initiative and a proactive approach, with a genuine desire to shape industry outcomes and build organisational capability.

For more information about this opportunity, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing Sign in to view email. After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential telephone enquiries to Lester Blades’ Partners, Jemma Buckner or James Fairbairn, at +61 8 9221 0744.

Applications may be made in Word format to [email protected] quoting Reference LB303427. Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Closing date for applications, 4pm, Friday 31st July 2026

Candidates’ rights under the Privacy Act will be observed at all times.

Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia can be considered.

ABOUT LESTER BLADES

Lester Blades is a Western Australian owned executive search and board advisory firm with local specialisation and international reach. We focus on uncompromising excellence in service to clients in the identification of Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and a range of other senior executive and functional leadership roles.