Deputy Director / Science Director, CSIRO Manufacturing

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

The opportunity

• Lead high-impact collaborations across research, industry, and government to create global solutions and advance world-class science
• Leverage CSIRO’s unique research and innovation capabilities to drive critical manufacturing breakthroughs
• Translate science to industry impact as a key leader in Australia’s National Science Agency

About CSIRO & the Manufacturing Research Unit
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s National Science Agency and is one of the world’s largest and most multidisciplinary mission-driven research organisations, delivering transformative, positive impacts through science and technology to create a better future for Australia and the world.
 
At CSIRO we accelerate sustainable, globally competitive manufacturing for Australia through leading-edge, commercially viable and scalable solutions. The Manufacturing Research Unit’s strategy is helping to galvanise Australia’s manufacturers through world-leading science and engineering and propelling Australian industry to the forefront of high quality, high tech and environmentally sustainable production. Pivoting to harness digital technologies, CSIRO is directly supporting industry to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and approaches. Find out more here.

The role:

CSIRO is seeking a pragmatic, inspirational and engaging leader with the experience and the confidence to provide organisational wide strategic leadership. As Deputy Director, Manufacturing you'll report to the Research Unit Director and be a key member of both the Manufacturing Research Unit Leadership Team and the CSIRO Science Council. You will lead national science initiatives and high-impact projects, and step in for the Director when required. This role requires outstanding stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills to drive internal and external partnerships.

With a specialisation in manufacturing R&D and with a deep knowledge across the breadth of science, you will effectively contribute at Science Council, providing sound recommendations that contribute to CSIRO’s investment in science. Concurrently, you will display an inherent strategically focussed business mindset that is attuned to organisational needs and that drives sustainability for CSIRO. You'll shape science capabilities, anticipate trends, and develop strategic infrastructure plans, as well as drive sustainability and build strategic relationships across government, industry, and academia. Your ability to lead with integrity, empower teams, and foster collaboration across a diverse workforce will be key to your success.

Your high level duties include:

• Oversee the delivery of Manufacturing Future Science Platforms (FSPs), Science Leader Programs, and engage in relevant Research Unit-led FSPs.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic capability plans for people and scientific infrastructure aligned with Manufacturing’s and CSIRO’s objectives.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Leadership Teams to define and achieve the Research Unit’s strategic requirements.
• Work with CSIRO Deputy Directors/Science Directors to execute strategy and co-manage strategic relationships and alliances, ensuring competitive positioning and alignment with national interests.
• Partner with Manufacturing Research Directors to build a diverse pipeline of scientific talent and lead the rewards and promotions process.

 
Location:       Clayton, Melbourne or Lindfield, Sydney
Salary:           Attractive Salary plus Motor Vehicle Allowance plus 15.4% super
Tenure:          Specified Term of 3 years full-time

About you:

• A degree with demonstrated achievement in senior leadership roles within manufacturing research or related sectors, ideally with postgraduate qualifications and a deep understanding of the manufacturing R&D industry.
• Experience working within or across multidisciplinary organisations, with an understanding of complex corporate systems and processes.
• Strong executive engagement and strategic relationship management skills that promote complex multi-stakeholder collaborations and initiatives, foster new opportunities and support national or international outcomes.
• Ability to attract, retain, empower, and develop world-class talent while fostering multidisciplinary teams. Proven leadership capabilities to inspire, empower, and resolve complex technical, management, and administrative issues.
• A proven track record leading complex change initiatives in a collaborative manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills with strong business acumen, a results-oriented approach, and financial skills.
• Experience in strategic portfolio development and visionary program delivery, with the ability to build cross-organisational capability.

  
For a detailed overview and more information, please view the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must hold a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Diversity and inclusion

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

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.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

30 March 2025, 11:00pm AEST/AEDT