Principal Program Manager, Family Violence Reform

About the role:

The Principal Program Manager reports to the Manager, Family Violence Reform and works closely with other team members to ensure the development, implementation and delivery of family violence reform.

Operating within the Governance Strategy and Reform branch, the Principal Program Manager supports the coordinated delivery of high-impact projects that align with SCV's strategic objectives and broader government and departmental responsibilities, supporting a safer, person-centred health system. The Principal Program Manager plays a pivotal role in bridging health sector operations and whole of government policy. The role supports the delivery of complex, cross-functional initiatives-supporting both government and clinical leaders and divisional priorities. This includes facilitating strong stakeholder engagement, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with measurable impact.

Working in a matrix environment, the Principal Program Manager partners with health service and SCV program leads, the Department of Health and Department of Families Fairness and Housing, to enable integrated project execution. They ensure appropriate subject matter expertise and alignment between clinical advice, safety improvement initiatives, and system-level change efforts. The Principal Program Manager also contributes to the continuous improvement of project methodologies, frameworks, and capability uplift within the team, promoting consistency, agility, and excellence in delivery.

This leadership role fosters a collaborative, high-performing, and psychologically safe team culture. The Principal Program Manager coaches and supports Senior Project Officers to operate with strategic intent, deliver high-quality outputs, and build strong relationships across government and the health sector. They are a key contributor to SCV's goal of a connected, capable, and consumer-centred safety system-where coordinated project delivery enables better outcomes for patients, families, clinicians, and health services across Victoria.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as Public Health, Project Management, Health Administration, Policy, Business, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in project management, public health, business administration, social sciences or health system leadership.
• Formal training or certification in project and program management (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, PMBOK, Agile) is highly regarded.
• Content knowledge in family violence reform. Ministerial writing and experience in government, health sector and/or health service delivery would be desirable, with skills and experience in policy development and implementation and/or project management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects in the health sector, preferably in a government, clinical, or system improvement context.
• Proven ability to manage projects in a matrix environment, balancing competing priorities and aligning operational delivery with strategic goals.
• Strong knowledge of project governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement within healthcare, public sector, or related complex systems.
• Experience coordinating work across clinical, policy, and operational teams, with a demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with senior stakeholders, including executives, clinicians, and consumers.
• Expertise in applying structured project methodologies to deliver system-wide outcomes, and in using evidence and insights to inform planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Understanding of healthcare systems and the Victorian public health context, with a commitment to safety, quality, and person-centred care.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the `Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.