Director - National Grains Diagnostics and Surveillance Initiative Ready to lead nationally significant biosecurity outcomes? Join us to lead our uplift in grains biosecurity, providing strategic direction across diagnostics and surveillance, data management and information system design, and leading stakeholder engagement. Apply now and shape outcomes that protect Australia’s grains industry and strengthen the national biosecurity system. Our team ensures Australia's plants stay healthy by tackling pests and diseases that threaten crops, trade and the environment. We lead policy and support national strategies that protect our natural ecosystems, agricultural production and way of life—while keeping up with international expectations. We’re the national hub for plant biosecurity, guiding how Australia protects its crops and environment from pests and diseases. By shaping strong policies and fostering collaboration across government and industry, we help maintain Australia’s healthy plant status and open doors to markets worldwide. Responsibilities Provide strategic program leadership to ensure strong governance, effective delivery and maximum value from the investment. Apply deep grains biosecurity expertise to ensure the initiative is fit for purpose, aligned with industry needs and consistent with departmental and government responsibilities. Lead and influence across business areas and jurisdictions to deliver nationally coordinated diagnostics and surveillance outcomes. Lead a small team and a cross‑divisional network to deliver nationally coordinated diagnostic and surveillance reforms that strengthen the department’s management of grains biosecurity, as part of a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) led national initiative. Provide strategic guidance informed by sound knowledge of the grains industry and biosecurity risk landscape (particularly in relation to pest surveillance and diagnostics) to shape program direction and priorities. Oversee the development and delivery of program and project plans, including effective resource management, reporting and governance arrangements. Drive a strategic and coordinated approach to grains biosecurity activities, supporting implementation both within the department and with external partners. Manage a high‑level secretariat function that underpins effective governance and oversight of this investment. Work closely with the grains industry and the GRDC to ensure activities are fit for purpose and deliver agreed outcomes. Represent the department nationally, as required, in relation to the initiative. Qualifications and experience Excellent knowledge of grains biosecurity, surveillance and diagnostic arrangements and the national biosecurity system. Experience working across varied, dynamic and complex work areas. Experience developing and implementing programs in collaboration with a range of stakeholders. A demonstrated track record in establishing and maintaining strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to deliver positive outcomes. Experience working under pressure together with the ability to work to critical deadlines, take initiative and exercise sound judgment. Veterans The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourages veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six‑month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support. #J-18808-Ljbffr