Manager - Executive Level 2, Chief Operating Officer

• Canberra (other locations considered for the right candidate)
• Applications close 20 November
• The salary range for this role is $147,408 - $158,710

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government's economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people's lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia's future.

Please see the APSC's APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Property and Place branch is a key enabler for the department and supports a safe, resilient, and productive work environment. The branch maintains properties and facilities to support the department's vision, strategic priorities and preparedness to maintain critical functions during emergencies or disruptions.

The branch manages the departments Business Continuity program and coordinates the department's efforts to help achieve APS Net Zero by 2030 within its property footprint.

The opportunity

We are seeking skilled and motivated professionals to lead various teams with the branch. These roles include:

Property Leasing and Sustainability Team: This team is responsible for the department's property leasing function and coordinates the department's APS Net Zero by 2030 program.

Property Projects Team: This team is responsible for the department's end-to-end management of a diverse property capital works portfolio, including site fit-outs and upgrades. The team also oversees the department's acquisition, management, and disposal of the property portfolio that encompasses office space, warehouse storage facilities, laboratories, and special use facilities across Australia.

Property Strategy Team: This team is responsible for governance support for the property function, oversees the property budget and expenditures, manages the department's Property Service Provider, leads the Work our Way initiative and manages the business continuity arrangements for the department.

Successful candidates will play a key role in shaping and optimising our property portfolio to meet evolving needs of the department – now and into the future.

Our ideal candidate

We're looking for candidates who bring a strong mix of expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to the role. Ideal applicants will demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading a team in one (or more) of the following areas:
• Leading and delivering a large capital works program
• Leading a large and diverse leasing property portfolio
• Contributing to the APS Net Zero agenda by 2030 program
• Leading a long-term asset management lifecycle including maintenance, lifecycle costs and sustainability.
• Leadership and people management skills that inspires and empowers teams.
• Leading the enterprise continuity framework by supporting the development and upkeep of a consistent, organisation-wide approach to Business Continuity.
• Providing strategic advice to the branch on property matters and ensures strong governance structures are in place and appropriately maintained.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, tailored to a range of audiences.
• Advanced organisational, analytical, and financial capabilities to support complex decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership in delivering complex projects or initiatives with measurable impact.
• A solid understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Commonwealth Property Management Framework.

What you will do

These roles require you to:

• Drive the planning, development, and delivery of property strategies, leasing transactions and projects that align with the department's strategic direction.
• Lead a team in managing day-to-day operations whilst delivering complex property initiatives across a diverse property portfolio.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure successful outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and advice to inform senior decision-making.
• Oversee budget planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure projects and leasing decisions deliver value, align with organisation priorities and demonstrate value for money.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is ACT - Industry House based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact or if you require assistance with your application.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Vanessa Thorpe via email on

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