Director - Legal Practice Strategy & Support, Executive Level 2, Chief Counsel and Integrity

• Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth
• Applications close 05 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 Legal Practice plays a vital role in delivering high-quality legal services across the department, supporting policy development, regulatory functions, and operational decision-making. The Practice is made up of skilled legal professionals who provide expert advice and contribute to the department's strategic objectives.

Instrumental in enabling the Practice to undertake this work is the Legal Practice Strategy & Support team, a dedicated group that ensures the smooth and effective operation of the Legal Practice. This team provides essential coordination, operational support, and administrative services, enabling legal teams to focus on their core work. From streamlining processes, implementing good governance and driving strategic initiatives to managing procurement and tracking budgeting to supporting practice compliance, the team is central to the success of the department's legal functions.

The Director of this team will lead a group of capable professionals, work closely with senior legal leaders, and play a key role in shaping how legal services are supported and delivered.

What's in it for you?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and high-performing team that plays a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of legal services across the department. You'll work closely with senior legal leaders, contribute to strategic planning, and drive operational excellence, all while shaping how the Practice is supported and enabled.

You will enjoy:

• A leadership role with real impact and visibility across the department.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to influence strategic direction and improve service delivery.
• A chance to work with talented legal professionals and contribute to public service outcomes.

Our ideal candidate

You are an experienced and confident leader who thrives in complex environments. You bring strong people management skills, strategic thinking, and a knack for getting things done. You don't need legal qualifications, but you do need to be comfortable working alongside legal professionals and managing up effectively.

You will have:

• Strategic leadership capability, with the ability to set direction, influence outcomes, and align operational support with broader organisational goals.
• Proven experience leading teams and delivering operational support in a professional setting.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including with senior executives.
• Strong organisational and planning capabilities, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Technology fluency, and the ability to translate business requirements to process improvement.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to building team capability and culture.

What you will do

As Director of the Legal Practice Strategy & Support team, you will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of support services that enable the department's Legal Practice branches to function effectively and ethically.

This is a leadership role that goes beyond administration. You will shape how legal services are supported, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the team's work aligns with broader departmental priorities. Key responsibilities include:

• Set and implement the strategic direction for legal practice support, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and legal service delivery needs.
• Apply principles of legal practice management to improve business operations, financial controls, technology integration, and risk management.
• Lead business planning, risk management, and service improvement initiatives that enhance the efficiency, reputation, and impact of the Legal Practice.
• Provide high-level advice and insights to senior legal leaders on operational strategy, workforce capability, and service delivery.
• Oversee the delivery of core support functions including procurement, coordination, resource management including budgeting, and administrative services.
• Ensure systems and processes are fit-for-purpose, compliant, and continuously improved to meet evolving needs.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.
• Build strong relationships with legal leaders and other stakeholders, managing up effectively and influencing outcomes.
• Support staff capability through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Champion ethical conduct, compliance, and innovation in how legal services are supported and delivered.

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 based in multiple locations, 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 Rachel Besley on or via email on

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