• Full time ongoing Senior Executive Band 1 role – TRP from $210,404 per annum including superannuation
• Located in Regional NSW - Hybrid working  
• Lead and Implement Intellectual Property Programs for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development!

About the Role

The role of Director R& D Office provides leadership for the integration and direction of project management and investment support functions in the Group’s research and development programs. Responsibilities include coordinating investment processes, providing administrative support and training, negotiating funding contracts, and offering specialized advice on partnerships and risk management. The R&D Office coordinates reporting to the R&D Investment Board and manages the Project Price Costing Tool (PPCT) and implementation of the Investment Framework tool. Additionally, the role implements DPIRD governance frameworks for portfolio reporting, investment decisions, and related policies, including the R&D Budgeting Policy and intellectual property procedures.

About You

As the Director of R&D you will lead the implementation of effective project management, governance, reporting, and risk systems within the Group, focusing on program-level reporting of key milestones and performance against KPIs. You will manage interdependencies and ensure clear communication among stakeholders to assess and mitigate project risks, achieving desired outcomes.

In this role you will define the R&D Office strategy, create integrated customer-focused support functions, and establish standardised project management processes. They will oversee the commercialisation of intellectual property, negotiate contracts, and ensure governance around royalties.

Additionally, you will support strategic partnerships with research organisations and actively participate in planning within the Research Assurance Division. In this role you will provide high-quality commercial advice for investment decisions, promote effective risk management, and develop metrics to assess team performance. Ultimately, in this role you will define processes to coordinate major contracts and initiatives, enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness across the Group.

 You’ll Be Someone Who can

• Lead a service delivery team supporting R&D programs, projects, investments and sound intellectual property management.
• Work well within the regional NSW context and with various primary producers and communities.
• Contribute to strategic decision making and operational planning.
• Apply commercial best practice and financial modelling for business case development

• Utilise your high-level communication, sound arguments and collaboration skills to influence and negotiate positive outcomes.   

For further information about the role, please contact the hiring manager Bruce Finney e—mail bruce.finney@dpird.nsw.gov.au  or mobile 0448 512 295 or Felicity Gillard, Manager Talent Acquisition email felicity.j.gillard@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0459 165 897. Alternatively, view the role description for Director R & D Office

Why us? 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.  

DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW. 

Sounds interesting -want to Apply? 

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking senior executive with a proven track record in leading and project managing complex commercial contracts, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.  

Applications Closing Date: 7 December at 11:55pm 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au and a member of the team will contact you for a confidential discussion.  

 Additional Information: 
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required. 

 Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.