Position:

Employer: Australian Wool Innovation Limited

Job Title: Industry Relations Officer WA

Department: Consultation and Engagement

Reports To: General Manager Consultation & Engagement

Direct Reports (number): Nil

Location: Regional WA

Position Purpose:

The Industry Relations Officer will form an essential conduit between AWI and wool industry networks in the region. Supporting the Consultation & Engagement team, the Industry Relations Officer will work towards building trust and confidence in AWI across the region and nationally, where applicable.

This role will be responsible for managing AWI’s on the ground relationships with the wool industry in the region.

Principal Accountabilities

• Build and strengthen AWIs relationships with the industry networks of the region, by identifying collaborative and/or engagement opportunities with;

• Woolgrowers
• Wool brokers & representatives
• AWI’s extension network.
• Local Grower Groups (including wool, livestock, grains & other farming groups)
• Agricultural educators
• Other stakeholders as required

• When appropriate, present, speak and meet with wool industry networks on behalf of the company including at Future Wool events.
• Liaise weekly with the Research team and AWI employees from other departments to help manage the distribution of AWI project information through AWI channels, such as Beyond the Bale, monthly e-newsletters, social media and podcasts, and more traditional media;
• Aid the expansion of AWI’s digital communication channels through:

• Producing a monthly Woolgrowers’ E-newsletter
• Supplying AWI social media channels (inc Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) with R&D updates and relevant content
• Encouraging industry to engage with AWI channels
• Identifying and exploring new communication platforms/opportunities

• Attend the different team/department Communications meetings to ensure awareness of any events or issues affecting the business can be communicated through our channels as appropriate. Feed this information back to the National Engagement Manager, as well as the GM Consultation & Engagement, and proactively create a schedule to outline any Communications or Media activity required. 
• Work closely with the National Manager, Wool Harvesting Training & Careers Development to champion AWI’s wool harvesting training and development program to the region in particular, and nationally where applicable, through;

• Promoting AWI-funded shearing schools and Wool Harvesting Innovation Days in the region
• Advocating for the adoption of best practice AWI programs in sheds eg. SafeSheds
• Communicating wool harvesting R&D and training outcomes to wool industry networks
• Identifying any new research or shearing industry opportunities.

• Work within the Consultation team in woolgrower facing activities driving AWI engagement at local regional events, including field days, educational initiatives, workshops and also at relevant national events, as directed.
• Compile woolgrower and stakeholder feedback from engagements and document key industry issues, liaise then with the relevant business unit to accurately respond to the woolgrower/stakeholder with AWI’s follow up response.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

Technical Knowledge

• Robust knowledge of wool growing, agriculture and its regional participants
• Sound knowledge of the global wool supply chain
• Proven effective writing skills
• Intermediate + proficiency in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working with SAP, Salesforce and TRIM would be highly regarded
• Knowledge of audio editing software Audition would be advantageous

Work Experience

• 2+ years’ previous experience in a similar or related role

Other Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work autonomously, and with others
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Effective presentation skills
• Proven ability to influence others
• Strong organisational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Must be a self-starter with a ‘can do’ attitude

Key Relationships:

Internal

• AWI Consultation team
• AWI Research Team
• AWI Program and Project Managers, Officers & Administrators
• AWI Processing Innovation & Education Extension
• AWI Marketing team
• AWI Finance team

External

• AWI levy payers
• AWI extension networks
• Regional grower groups
• Events and stakeholder organisations
• Researchers and consultants
• RDCs and industry bodies

Application Process

If interested, please submit your CV to jessica.grouse@wool.com by COB Friday May 17^th. As a courtesy you must inform your manager prior to applying for this position.