• Full time ongoing Senior Executive Band 1 role TRP from $225,428 per annum including superannuation
• Located in Sydney or Regional NSW – Hybrid working
• Ongoing full-time role

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for driving high‑impact research and delivering strong governance across complex research operations?

About the Role

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking an accomplished and strategic Director Research Services to lead the management of research facilities, laboratories and farm operations across NSW.

In this senior leadership role, you will enable high‑impact research and development outcomes by setting strategic direction, strengthening governance, and ensuring research infrastructure is managed sustainably and efficiently.

You will play a critical role in aligning research operations with organisational priorities, supporting capital and infrastructure programs, and ensuring the department’s investment in research delivers maximum public value. This is a diverse and impactful role requiring visionary leadership, strong commercial acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

About You

The ideal candidate is an experienced senior leader with demonstrated capability in managing research operations, scientific infrastructure, or complex service delivery environments.

You will bring extensive experience leading high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams, with a strong track record in strengthening governance, improving business systems and lifting operational performance. You offer sound financial acumen, experience delivering capital and infrastructure programs, and commercial insight across agricultural, scientific and research settings. You excel at building strategic partnerships across industry, research and government, and you communicate with influence to shape whole‑of‑government outcomes. You model ethical, professional behaviour and demonstrate a strong commitment to the NSW Public Sector values of trust, integrity, accountability and service

You’ll be someone who can:

• Lead effective planning, prioritisation and capability development across research operations
• Strengthen governance and transparent decision‑making processes
• Navigate complex or time‑critical issues with sound judgement
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and organisational reform
• Manage risk, identify opportunities and provide strategic advice to executives
• Support emergency response operations through coordinated deployment of resources.

Why Us?

DPIRD is dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long‑term benefits for NSW.

Our department includes Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works; and the Soil Conservation Service.

With nearly 5,000 employees—almost 80% located in regional NSW—we are proud of our role supporting the prosperity, sustainability and resilience of our state.

Sounds Interesting – Want to Apply?

If you are ready to take on this significant leadership opportunity and drive impactful research outcomes for NSW, we invite you to apply.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role.

Applications close Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 11:55 pm

For further information about the role, please contact Bruce Finney, Group Director Research Assurance on 0448 512 295 or at bruce.finney@dpird.nsw.gov.au

You may also view the full Role Description.

Adjustments and Accessibility If you require adjustments during the application, interview or assessment process, please email capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Additional Information talent pool may be created for future ongoing or temporary opportunities at the same level for up to 18 months. The successful candidate may be required to undertake a police check, health assessment and other relevant pre‑employment screening.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Diversity and inclusion are core values at DPIRD. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and able to contribute to their full potential. We are proud that our workforce reflects the richness and diversity of the NSW communities we serve.