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- Tasks: Lead government relations and shape policy engagement in aged care and retirement living.
- Company: Join Ryman Healthcare, a leader in retirement living with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, wellbeing leave, and discounts at over 60 retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during significant reforms in the aged care sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or government relations, strong communication skills, and project management capability.
- Other info: Opportunity to design a new function with visibility across senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Play a central 12 months fixed term role establishing Ryman’s approach to government relations and policy engagement during a year of significant momentum across the aged care and retirement living sectors. Christchurch preferred, Wellington considered.
About Ryman Healthcare
At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. We are a leader in retirement living and aged care, with 49 villages across New Zealand and Australia and a team of more than 7,700 people. Everything we do must be good enough for mum and dad.
Why this role is exciting
This is a rare opportunity to shape a function at Ryman. You will design the structures, frameworks, and ways of working that support our approach to government relations and public policy engagement. You will be stepping into the role during a period of significant reform across the aged care and retirement living landscape in New Zealand. This creates a unique opportunity to contribute to how Ryman understands and responds to regulatory, policy, and system developments. Ryman is also in a period of transformation, which means your work will have strong visibility across senior leaders and will contribute to organisational readiness and long-term planning. This role will appeal to someone who is motivated by building capability, establishing new functions, and contributing to complex cross agency environments.
What You Will Do
- Lead government relations for New Zealand, with involvement in Australia as required
- Build and maintain strong external and internal relationships across aged care and health sector bodies
- Monitor health, aged care, retirement living, building and construction policy, regulatory changes, and emerging issues
- Prepare policy submissions, consultation responses, briefing papers, and technical content
- Support internal and external communications, including key messages, speeches, and media opportunities
- Represent Ryman across sector forums, working groups, and regulatory engagements
- Work closely with senior leaders to identify political, regulatory, and reputational risks
- Establish systems, processes, and metrics for an effective government relations function
What’s In It For You
- A chance to design and establish a new function
- A role with visibility across the Executive and Board
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing leave
- Access to 60 plus retail and wellbeing discounts
- Free Christchurch onsite gym and onsite café (Christchurch only)
- Supportive, collaborative Corporate Affairs and Communications team
Who You Are
- Strong experience in policy, government relations, or strategic communications
- Ideally connected within Health New Zealand or Te Whatu Ora, or with health and aged care sector networks
- Skilled at writing technical content and clear, compelling communications
- Confident operating across complex stakeholder environments
- Strong project management capability
- Strategic thinker who is also happy to roll up your sleeves
- Values kindness, simplicity, and clear communication
If you are excited by the opportunity to join an organisation with purpose, influence meaningful reform, and help shape a newly established function, we would love to hear from you. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and may close early.
Government Relations Manager in Christchurch employer: Ryman Healthcare
Contact Detail:
Ryman Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Government Relations Manager in Christchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the government relations and aged care sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past work related to policy submissions and communications. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news related to aged care and government policies. Being knowledgeable about current events will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about Ryman. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the role of Government Relations Manager. Let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Government Relations Manager in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in government relations and policy engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting role at Ryman, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of writing and clear communication, be sure to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling content. Whether it’s through your cover letter or examples of previous work, let us see your knack for turning complex ideas into simple messages.
Highlight Your Connections: If you’ve got connections within Health New Zealand or the aged care sector, make sure to mention them! Building relationships is key in this role, and we’d love to know how your network can help Ryman navigate the landscape.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryman Healthcare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current landscape of aged care and retirement living policies. Brush up on recent reforms and Ryman's approach to government relations. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also genuinely engaged with the sector.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves a lot of relationship-building, think about how you can demonstrate your networking skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, especially within complex stakeholder environments.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As you'll be preparing policy submissions and briefing papers, be ready to discuss your writing process. Bring along samples of your technical content or communications work to showcase your ability to convey complex information clearly and compellingly.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset, so prepare to discuss how you approach problem-solving and decision-making. Think of specific examples where your strategic thinking led to successful outcomes, especially in government relations or policy engagement.