Suburban Connect is a consortium of global leaders in tunnelling including CPB Contractors, Ghella and Acciona Construction delivering the Tunnels South package on Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East, on behalf of Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA).

We have a broad range of roles available to build our diverse and inclusive workforce, including construction and engineering, planning and environmental management, corporate support, administration, communications and many others.

SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill is now under construction, with tunnelling to start in 2026 and trains to be running by 2035.

Suburban Connect is constructing the 16kms of tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley using 4 tunnel boring machines and a range of excavation methods. The works also include 55 cross passages, 2 tunnel portal structures, 2 station box excavations and associated supports.

About the Opportunity

To minimise the impact of community relations issues on projects through the management and co-ordination of internal and external stakeholder relationships. Responsible for the implementation of all communication activities for project

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Developing and implementing a regular program of stakeholder contacts/liaison meetings to build a perception of trust, honesty, and reliability through action.
• Developing a systematic and user-friendly complaints handling procedure, which effectively deals with complaints and keeps all stakeholders informed on progress.
• Analysing, investigating, and following up queries and complaints, as appropriate, developing action plans, monitoring progress and outcomes.
• Educating and coaching project team members to:
  • Understand contractual requirements in relation to the community.
  • Understand and effectively handle community concerns.
  • Where possible, actively involve them in handling community issues.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records on community relations issues and reporting key findings/status/trends on a monthly basis.

Consulting with the project team to identify and anticipate community concerns and to understand the priorities and requirements of the project team.

• Identifying target audiences, analysing needs and issues, and developing tailored message content.
• Developing appropriate communication tools (e.g., Presentation material, press releases, letters) to convey LCPL and client key messages honestly and in the most effective way for the target audience(s).
• Provide input and support to internal communications.
• Keeping the project team informed and involved in the community relationships.
• Identifying and assessing business risks associated with community concerns on BU projects.
• Producing a community relations plan to provide a positive image of CPB and the client(s) and to alleviate stakeholder concerns regarding projects.
• Gaining appropriate contributions to the plan from management team members and other relevant LCPL staff.
• Ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources to achieve the plan.
• Planning and scheduling own work to meet required timelines and outputs

The ideal candidate will possess:

• 1-3 years minimum in Community Relations, Public Relations, Communication, customer service or similar experience.
• Developed organisation skills.
• Good communication including active listening, persuasive speech, writing and presenting.
• Good writing skills with the ability to prepare a wide variety of communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Effective time management with flexibility to be single as well as multitask focused.
• Understanding of relationship management including empathy, cultural understanding, practical skills and or training in negotiation and facilitation.
• Problem solving and conflict management abilities.
• Team player with positive, confident approach to working with people.
• Planning, coordinating and administration including computer literacy.

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition