Senior Client Partner

Business unit: Ogilvy Health

Team: Public Relations

Location: Sydney 

Employment type: Permanent

Ogilvy Health is on the hunt for its next Senior Client Partner (Public Affairs) to join the team! 

About the Role  

As a senior leader within the Ogilvy Health team, specialising in Public Affairs and Health Policy, you will play an integral role in steering advocacy, government relations, and policy communication strategies.  

You will provide high-level counsel to your clients on complex public affairs challenges, leveraging your deep understanding of Australia's health and political landscape. 

You will be a key support for Chief Counsel – Public Affairs of Ogilvy Health and the broader leadership team to deliver the vision, performance and growth requirements of the business.  

Within this role, you will also focus on new business, have gravitas with your clients and colleagues and will add more depth to your client capabilities. You’ll show personal and professional commitment to the business and play a lead role in winning new business and building our business together. The real difference in seniority is the growth in marketable sector/industry/client expertise that you bring to the business.   

About Ogilvy Health  

Ogilvy Health is a team of health communication specialists who harness science, creativity, and communications to inspire hearts and minds. We are the architects of effective strategies that educate, accelerate change, and positively impact the lives of Australians. 

You join a growing team where we are dedicated to creating conversations that accelerate change, because we believe the life of every Australian matters. From shaping health legislation and influencing public policy, improving access to medicines and the health system, to driving impactful advocacy and ensuring delivery of best practice care, we partner with those determined to improve lives. 

Putting an issue on the agenda is one thing; strategically mapping, engaging, and influencing key government, industry, and patient stakeholders to table solutions and deliver results are what we are all about. We are experts in navigating the intricate political and policy ecosystems to drive tangible change. Similarly, it’s about more than raising awareness and increasing understanding; it's about going further to promote better self-care and empowering Australians to advocate for themselves. 

With a dedicated team of health communication and public affairs specialists, how we do this depends on the challenge at hand and the insights we bring to the table. Together, we’ll bring the right mix of people to shift the status quo - sooner rather than later - as we partner with pharmaceutical companies, health medical research bodies, industry and patient advocacy organisations to drive change. 

What You’ll Do

• Act as a senior strategic advisor, providing expert public affairs, government relations, and policy counsel for clients and the business. This includes developing and leading sophisticated advocacy, issues management, and stakeholder engagement strategies. 
• Lead the development and execution of impactful public affairs and government relations campaigns, including comprehensive stakeholder mapping, in-depth policy analysis, messaging development tailored for political audiences, and direct engagement with government departments, elected officials, and industry bodies.
• Proactively monitor, interpret, and provide counsel on legislative and regulatory developments impacting client interests, translating complex policy into clear, actionable public affairs strategies for both clients and internal teams.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the public affairs and health policy sphere, leveraging your expertise and established networks to grow Ogilvy Health's footprint and offerings.
• Guide and mentor team members in best practices for public affairs, government relations, and policy advocacy, enhancing the team's collective PA capabilities and strategic thinking.
• Lead workshops with clients to define policy objectives, conduct stakeholder analyses, and build robust public affairs blueprints. 

What You’ll Bring 

• Experience in a dedicated public affairs, government relations, policy, or advocacy role. 
• Deep and current understanding of the Australian political system, parliamentary processes, and policy landscape at both federal and state levels, including knowledge of key portfolios, decision-makers, and legislative cycles.
• Proven track record in developing, implementing, and evaluating effective public affairs strategies, including successful government engagement, policy advocacy campaigns, legislative tracking, and complex issues management.
• Established and active network of relationships with key decision-makers, parliamentary advisors, public servants, and relevant industry/patient peak bodies within Australian health policy circles (highly desirable).
• Exceptional ability to analyse complex policy documents, legislative proposals, and regulatory changes, translating them into clear strategic implications and actionable communication/advocacy plans for clients.
• Strong strategic and tactical leadership in crisis and issues management with a pronounced public affairs lens, advising clients on navigating sensitive political, regulatory, and public perception challenges.
• Commercial acumen and a proven ability to identify, scope, and win new business opportunities within the public affairs and policy space, contributing directly to agency growth. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy positions clearly, persuasively, and appropriately to diverse audiences, including senior government officials and industry leaders.
• Experience in strategic team leadership, mentorship, and talent development, particularly in building and nurturing public affairs capabilities within a team.
• A genuine passion for improving health outcomes for Australians through strategic policy engagement, advocacy, and communication. 

Why Ogilvy? 

• Go global with Ogilvy: As part of a leading global network, you'll have access to exciting career pathways and opportunities around the world. Expand your horizons and connect with colleagues across the globe.  
• Family & caregiver support: We offer a gender-neutral parental leave policy, providing 16 weeks of paid leave to support all parents and caregivers throughout their journey. We're committed to helping you balance your career and family life.  
• Unlock the power of AI: Get exclusive access to WPP Open, our cutting-edge global AI platform, and leverage the latest technology to enhance your work and drive innovation.
• Work in style at Barangaroo: Sydney-based employees enjoy our brand new, state-of-the-art WPP campus in the heart of Barangaroo. 
• Belong at Ogilvy: We're deeply committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace. Our Inclusivity & Impact Council, SheCD, WPP Unite, and Reconciliation Action Plan programs are just some of the ways we're creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Invest in your growth: We're invested in your success. You'll receive a tailored personal development plan to help you achieve your goals, along with dedicated support from your manager to guide your career journey. We leverage Culture Amp to facilitate meaningful career conversations and track your progress. 
• Recharge & rejuvenate: Enjoy a range of additional leave benefits, including your birthday off, Summer Fridays, and loyalty leave (an extra day for each year you're with us). 
• Wellness your way: Take advantage of discounted rates with health and fitness providers, plus access to yoga, meditation, and wellbeing programs to support your mental and physical health. 
• Confidential support: We provide confidential counselling support through Telus EAP to help you navigate any personal or professional challenges. 
• Recognising excellence: We celebrate your achievements and loyalty through our employee reward programs. 
• Referral bonus: Bring your talented friends to Ogilvy and receive a bonus! 
• Unlock exclusive savings: Access discounts and vouchers for major household brands through our benefits platform, perkSPACE.  

At Ogilvy, inclusivity is essential to our success. We're