Directors of Chemistry and Manufacture

The Opportunity

Are you a motivated and skilled science professional with a passion for making a difference? Interested in making important contributions to the safety of people and animals in Australia?

The APVMA's Agricultural Chemicals is seeking applications for two Directors in Chemistry and Manufacture to play an important part in APVMA's delivery of efficient and effective agvet regulation.

Located in either Canberra ACT or regional Armidale NSW, you will gain experience in the Australian Public Service, have access to a variety of flexible working arrangements, and make important contributions to setting and achieving strategic and operational goals.

The Role

Both Directors belong to sections responsible for evaluating the chemistry aspects of applications, including manufacturing processes, composition, specifications, stability, packaging and analytical methods. They will oversee the development of assessment reports for products, chemical reviews, and permits, which provide recommendations in line with statutory criteria.

Each position will also oversee advice on chemistry matters both within and outside APVMA (e.g. to applicants, industry bodies, other regulators, and the compliance, and adverse experience teams). Other key responsibilities may include:

• Leading and managing a team, with a particular focus on coaching /mentoring, managing wellbeing and developing leadership and technical capacity.
• Overseeing the preparation and quality of specialist advice on the interpretation of data, scientific reports, policies and procedures within a regulatory framework.
• Leading the development of written material including guidance documents for applicants, regulatory consultation documents and internal guidance material.

Our ideal candidate

To be a strong contender for the role, you will have:

1. Highly developed leadership and management skills, including the ability to build capability and develop staff while managing deadlines and ensuring quality.
2. Demonstrated success in driving innovative approaches and implementing change within a specialist area.
3. The ability to exercise judgement, including in applying statutory criteria to make decisions based on technical information.
4. High level interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills. The ability to communicate clearly and confidently with clients, staff and coregulators. Ability to build and sustain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
5. Demonstrated experience in overseeing the interpretation and evaluation of scientific information related to the manufacture and formulation of chemical products. Ability to evaluate, provide pragmatic advice and make decisions based on complex information.

For more information, go to our careers page.

Want to know more?

At the APVMA, we value your skills and potential. We provide a collaborative and growth-oriented environment where your contributions are recognized and appreciated.

If the prospect of working for a world-class regulator sounds like you and you're ready to take the next step in your career, apply for this position today Applications close on 23 November 2025.

For further information on the position, please contact Ed Cram, Executive Director Agricultural Chemicals on or

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring the possibility of welcoming you to our team

Please note that this role is being advertised as either ongoing or non-ongoing. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant could be employed for an initial period of up to 12 months, which may be extended in accordance with subsection 333E (1) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised, may also be used to fill future similar ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies.