Program Manager – Industry Engagement & Sustainability

The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is the unified voice of Australia’s retail sector, representing businesses of every size across the country. We work with government, industry and our members to deliver practical, grass roots programs that help retailers respond to changing regulatory, economic and community expectations. 

We’re looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead a growing portfolio of sustainability and industry engagement programs that deliver practical outcomes for retailers across Australia. 

Reporting to the Chief Industry Engagement Officer, this role will play a key part in helping Australia’s retail industry navigate sustainability challenges and opportunities, while delivering strategic programs that support a stronger, more resilient retail sector. 

About the Role:

You’ll lead the planning and delivery of a portfolio of sustainability and industry programs from concept through to completion. Working with government, retailers, industry partners and internal teams, you’ll ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve measurable outcomes.

Sustainability will be a major focus of the role. You will lead initiatives that support retailers to respond to changing environmental expectations and regulation, including programs relating to:

• Circular economy and product stewardship
• Recycling and resource recovery
• Waste reduction
• Sustainable retail practices
• Emerging environmental regulation
• Future sustainability initiatives across the retail sector

Alongside sustainability, you’ll deliver industry projects that address broader operational and regulatory priorities of retailers, while providing leadership to Project Coordinators and managing external delivery partners.

About You:

You are an experienced program manager who enjoys working across industry, government and the private sector to deliver practical outcomes. 

You will bring: 

• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs or projects involving multiple stakeholders. 
• Experience delivering sustainability, environmental, circular economy or resource recovery initiatives. 
• A deep understanding of the Australian retail industry, including the challenges and opportunities facing retailers. 
• Experience working within the retail sector, or delivering programs for retailers, industry associations or retail supply chains, will be highly regarded. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. 
• Experience managing government funded or grant funded programs. 
• Strong financial, governance and reporting capability. 
• Experience leading project teams and external delivery partners. 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills. 

About Us:

The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is the unified voice for the retail community in Australia. It represents a $444 billion sector that employs 1.4 million Australians across metropolitan, regional, and remote communities – making retail the largest private sector employer in the country and a significant contributor to the Australian economy.   

Our membership spans the spectrum of retail, from family-owned small and independent retailers that make up 95% of our membership, through to our largest national and international retailers that employ thousands of Australians and support both metropolitan and regional communities every day.  

We are committed to ensuring every Australian respects and celebrates the sustaining contribution of retail to our nation.  

To Apply:

If you’re passionate about supporting the Australian retail industry and sustainability and have a track record of delivering successful programs, we’d like to hear from you. 

Submit your resume together with a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re interested in joining the Australian Retail Council. 

We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Australian South Sea Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ and culturally diverse candidates to apply. 

Applications close Sunday 23 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted