Strategic Operations Executive Manager

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Lead and deliver high-impact projects ensuring safe and compliant operations at ACDP
• Drive efficiency through streamlined processes, strategic planning, and effective communication
• Partner with leaders and stakeholders to manage complex projects with competing priorities

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity 

CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong is Australia’s national animal health laboratory and home to the country’s highest-level biocontainment facility. Our work protects Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock and aquaculture industries—and the public—from emerging animal and zoonotic disease threats, with world-class secure facilities that keep our teams and community safe.

As a key member of the ACDP team, the Strategic Operations Executive Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the facility operates safely, effectively, and in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations. Working closely with the Strategic Facility Operations Director, you will leverage your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to manage complex projects, coordinate critical reporting, and facilitate engagement with internal and external stakeholders. This is a dynamic role requiring a balance of planning, coordination, and independent initiative, as well as a focus on streamlining processes for greater efficiency.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Contribute to the design, implementation and monitoring of processes that ensure the effective operation of the ACDP.

• Plan, execute and oversee operational and strategic projects for the achievement of the Facility’s goals
• Establish and maintain networks beneficial to the achievement of ACDP’s regulatory and legislative requirements
• Provide strategic advice to, the SFOD and have significant independence of action.
• Maintain a sound understanding of the AAHL and H&B Research Unit goals and activities.
• Contribute to ACDPs strategic decisions and ensure project outcomes align with the goals of the facility and with broader CSIRO goals.
• Contribute to and influence site policy.
• Application of effective problem-solving skills to ensure projects are successfully delivered and remain applicable to ACDP’s needs.

Location: Geelong, Victoria (minimum 4 days per week onsite)

Salary: AU$131k – AU$153k per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time    

Reference: 101338

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, or equivalent management/leadership experience in an area relevant to ACDP.
• Proven experience in successful project management, including planning, engagement, monitoring, and reporting.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across diverse internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to meet ACDP’s microbiological and security requirements, obtain a Neg Vetting 1 security clearance, and willingness to work from the ACDP site at least 4 days per week.
• Experience in highly regulated working environments, strong business acumen and organisational awareness, and proven leadership and people management skills is highly desirable.

 
For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the Position Description. Please note: Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact careersonline@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Role particulars & eligibility

• Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens.

• Appointment to this role is subject to obtaining or having existing Australian security clearance at Neg Vetting 1 level as well as the ability to meet ACDP’s microbiological security requirements as outlined in the PD.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Life and benefits at CSIRO

CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

12th Oct 2025, 11:00pm AEDT 

We encourage you to apply early, as we may close applications once we have a strong candidate pool and move forward to interviews.