Head of Strategic Relations - Australia
Group Overview
Metrea is actively building its presence in Australia as part of a deliberate, globally coordinated expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Our Asia-Pacific Market Group, headquartered in Brisbane with an additional office in Perth, is the enterprise's dedicated regional interface connecting Australia's national security community with Metrea's full suite of capabilities across three core domains: Aerospace, Electromagnetic & Cyber, and Digital & Synthetic. Metrea is now bringing that same depth of mission expertise and proven operating model to Australia.
Underpinning these capabilities is a global network of Support Groups spanning people, finance, platform, operations, legal, and engagement; ensuring that as we grow in Australia, we do so with the full weight of an established global enterprise behind us.
Metrea's solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving; enabling our partners to scale capacity and achieve asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats.
Position Summary
As Head of Strategic Relations – Australia, you will lead Metrea’s engagement with federal and state governments across defence, national security and emergency management. You will build trusted relationships with key decision-makers, with a particular focus on Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Defence Force. Through ongoing engagement and contributions to legislative and policy development, you will help identify and shape new business opportunities, while anticipating and managing risks to existing programs.
As a senior member of the Asia-Pacific Market Group, you will turn insights into Australia’s policy and government priorities into practical advice that informs Metrea’s strategy and growth. Your primary focus will be Australia, with opportunities to support engagement across the broader region and contribute to the global enterprise as required.
What You'll Do
Lead Metrea’s Australian government engagement strategy, building trusted relationships with senior policymakers, public servants and operational leaders across federal, state and territory governments
Develop a clear understanding of key decision-makers and priorities across Defence, Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force, policing, Foreign Affairs and related national security portfolios
Monitor policy, legislative, budget and procurement developments, turning market insights into practical advice on new opportunities and risks to existing programs
Build awareness of Metrea’s capabilities and position us as a trusted government partner, aligning engagement plans with government budget cycles and Metrea’s business priorities
Work with the Asia-Pacific team to identify customer needs, assess potential solutions using Metrea’s Solution Framework, and contribute to investment briefs and strategic decisions
Identify, assess, engage and manage external advisers and subject matter experts where specialist support is needed
Collaborate with global Strategic Relations teams to share Australian market insights and improve engagement tools and processes, supporting broader regional engagement as capacity allows
Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives that draw on your expertise and support Metrea’s wider priorities.
What You Bring
Deep knowledge of Australian government policy and legislative processes, with experience working for or alongside government on policy development
A strong understanding of Australia’s defence and national security landscape, established professional networks and a track record of building lasting stakeholder relationships
The credibility and communication skills to engage senior government, military, security, industry, technology and finance stakeholders across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region
An understanding of aviation, aerospace, defence and security missions, technologies and operations, with the curiosity to learn Metrea’s capabilities and develop expertise in new technical areas
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to turn complex information into clear advice, briefings and presentations
Experience managing people and budgets, with clear accountability for delivery and measurable outcomes
A collaborative approach to working across functions and international teams, balancing strategic thinking with organised, hands-on delivery and confident use of modern software tools
Sound judgement, reliability, discretion and a consistent ethical approach, including careful handling of confidential information
Intellectual humility, emotional intelligence and a willingness to challenge your own thinking
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
You will ideally have significant experience in Australian government, defence or national security, gained through operational leadership, policy development and/or government relations roles
Ability to obtain and maintain an AGSVA security clearance
Benefits
Private Health Insurance
Generous Annual Leave
Annual incentive plan
Paid parental leave
Life and disability insurance
Income Protection Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Novated Car Leasing
Inclusion Statement
We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and make hiring decisions based on capability, potential and alignment with our values. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.