Senior Advisor Community Relations

The world is going electric, and PLS is at the forefront of the charge.

Our collaborative, inclusive culture is a cornerstone of PLS. Humble, down-to-earth and genuinely invested in each other, we are one team united by a common purpose and driven to do great work together.

Being such a fast-moving company in clean energy transition means there is no shortage of challenge or opportunity. Whether it is taking on new projects, developing new skills or stepping into bigger roles, PLS is a place where careers move and where your potential has room to grow.

We're not a big corporate, and we don't want to be. At PLS you own your work, you're backed by people who care about doing a good job, and there's room to innovate and make things happen.

Positioned to be a major force for change, this is a great time to join us as we play a critical role in addressing the global energy crisis. If you want to be part of an organsation that is all about great people shaping the next era of battery minerals, we would love to hear from you.

The future is lithium, make it yours.

What PLS offers

• Annual short-term incentive bonus recognising individual and business performance
• PLS employee share scheme
• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Paid community leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and Company Chaplains
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

The opportunity

Reporting to the Manager External Communication and Community, you will lead PLS' community presence in Port Hedland and be a key local representative for the business. You will build trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, community, government, industry and local businesses, develop and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, manage community investment programs and partnerships, and provide local insights that help inform business decisions. This is an opportunity to build on PLS’ strong local relationships and strengthen our presence in the region, working closely with our Pilgangoora Operation, Corporate Affairs team and broader business. This is a permanent full-time role based in the town of Port Hedland, working Monday to Friday during standard business hours.

This role will require regular travel within the community, to our Pilgangoora Operation and occasionally to our corporate office in Perth. Some flexibility will be required to attend community events outside standard business hours.

Key responsibilities

Community and stakeholder engagement

• Establish and manage PLS' community presence and future office in Port Hedland as our local representative.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government, Traditional Owners, local communities, industry groups and local businesses.
• Develop and implement stakeholder and community engagement plans to support operations and projects.
• Represent PLS at community events, business forums and meetings to strengthen relationships and promote the Company's reputation.
• Provide advice to operational teams on stakeholder issues, community expectations and engagement opportunities.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement records and prepare reports, briefing notes and presentations.
• Address community enquiries, concerns and escalate emerging issues and opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate community consultation activities to gather feedback, address concerns and influence business decisions.

Social investment and reporting

• Protect and strengthen PLS' social licence to operate through proactive stakeholder engagement and community relations.
• Monitor regional issues, stakeholder sentiment and emerging trends, providing insights to inform business decisions.
• Support project development and operational activities through effective community and First Nations engagement.
• Identify opportunities to improve community outcomes and deliver shared value.
• Manage local community partnerships, sponsorships and the annual Community Grants Program.
• Coordinate employee volunteering initiatives across Port Hedland.
• Monitor and report on the impact of community investment activities and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Collaboration and leadership

• Work collaboratively across operations, Corporate Affairs and project teams to deliver coordinated stakeholder engagement.
• Operate autonomously, managing priorities and responding to emerging issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Champion community perspectives across the business and contribute to continuous improvement in community engagement practices.
• Represent PLS professionally and uphold the Company's values in all stakeholder interactions.
• Develop and maintain collaboration relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Occasional travel to the Pilgangoora Operation and Perth will be required, as well as flexible working hours including attending events before and after normal office hours.

About you

• Tertiary qualified in communications, community relations, social science, social economics, indigenous studies or other relevant discipline
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in community or social performance role or similar
• Experience developing and implementing stakeholder engagement plans.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in managing community organisations and investment, government, partnerships or grant programs, Traditional Owners and any other industry stakeholders, along with reporting on impacts and outcomes.
• Strong written communication skills, including report writing and content development.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Knowledge of social performance frameworks and social impact frameworks.

Supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce

PLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that values, respects and supports diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and the future we’re building. We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, included and able to contribute their best. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, all ages, and people of all genders and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+). We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to support all applicants and employees. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application process or inform our Careers team if you are contacted for an interview.

Our recruitment process

As part of our recruitment process, a number of checks will be conducted, including police / criminal background checks, medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence, right to work checks and reference checks.

We respectfully request agencies not to submit unsolicited resumes.

Acknowledgement of Country 

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal and Kariyarra People of the Pilbara, the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples of these lands.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their continuing connection and care for the land, water and Country.
If you would like to learn more about PLS or register for future opportunities, please visitwww.pls.com.