Michelson Alexander is a leading strategic communications and social impact firm. We provide specialist communications and strategic communications advice to corporate, government and not-for-profit clients to help achieve their strategic objectives and make the future a better place. We operate at the nexus of policy, politics and public affairs and thrive in high–pressure environments.

The key responsibility of this role is to ensure delivery of the Michelson Alexander 1-to-3-year business plan and strategic objectives, including financial and non-financial KPIs. The GM has responsibility to facilitate the preparation of the budget (with support from external finance/accounting consultants) and accountability to ensure that it is met.

Leading the day-to-day operations of our company, the GM will oversee all functional areas, and manage operational excellence across the organisation. Additionally, the role is responsible to ensure strategic goals are aligned and met by setting operational policies and managing approximately 15 employees and additional contractors.

Key responsibilities:

MA Growth and Sustainability

• Help manage MA 3-year strategic plan in partnership with external consultant.
• Help organise strategic planning activities and implementation of agreed actions.
• Support employees on growth projects.

People management

• Develop and maintain Michelson Alexander as an employer of choice.

• Team management.
• Manage workflow:
  • Allocate and manage account/client assignments across the team.
  • Monitor team capacity and resource forecasting.

• Oversee professional development of staff.
• Manage staff issues or conflicts.
• Manage individual employee capacity.
• Lead employee onboarding and offboarding.
• Lead hiring/recruitment process and oversee long-term resourcing needs.
• Manage team culture, wellbeing, and social projects.
• Lead daily team meetings (media reports, client progress updates, team diary, and team announcements).
• Prepare and circulate quarterly firm updates to the Michelson Alexander team.
• Oversee external HR consultant's work.
• Manage and improve where possible MA processes and procedures.

Finance

• Lead, strengthen and manage monthly, annual, and forward budgets.
• Lead engagement with external Finance consultant.
• Oversee monthly invoicing process and improve cashflow.
• Ensure client contracts are complete and up to date.

Marketing

• Help manage and build marketing relationship and activity with external consultant.
• Support business development training and activities.
• Oversee website and other advertising platforms, including prospectus and pitch documents, in consultation with the content team.
• Oversee implementation of rebrand project.

Account management

• Monitor client account health and client satisfaction.
• Manage client contracts.
• Lead regular client feedback process.
• Review Michelson Alexander proposal content and process.

Project management

• Oversee MA internal and external project and task management (via ASANA).
• Explore and support professional certification for Michelson Alexander.
• Explore and submit Michelson Alexander applications for relevant business awards.

System management

• Lead engagement with outsourced IT provider.
• Lead team time tracking and reporting via Clockify.
• Lead team use of internal communication channels (e.g., WhatsApp and MS Teams).

Key attributes and competencies required:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of operational best practices and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and laws.
• Excellent time-management, and administration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and on time delivery of tasks and responsibilities
• Extensive computer usage skills including demonstrating being a high-level user of Microsoft Office Suite, and desirable experience in project/task management software (e.g., ASANA), time tracking software (e.g., Clockify), Customer Relationship Management software (e.g., Zoho), media monitoring software (e.g., Isentia) and relevant other management software programs.

• An interest in politics and current affairs.
• A passion to work with “for-purpose” clients and commitment to social impact.

Qualifications and experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business management or related field.

• 5+ years’ of experience in a General Manager role, with a proven track record of delivering results and growth in an agency environment.

The General Manager will be based at our Melbourne CBD office however we believe in flexible hours and working from home when needed.

If this sounds like you then we’d love to hear from you!

An immediate start is preferred where possible.