• Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour
• SEB1 Total Remuneration Package (TRP) starting from $239,251 per annum including superannuation, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Reporting directly to the Executive Director Biosecurity & Food Safety, your role will lead the delivery of Biosecurity and Food Safety’s core programs in preparedness and emergency response. You will provide strategic direction and management of biosecurity and food safety emergency response operations across the breadth of DPIRD and with our key industry and Government partners to ensure DPIRD executes its responsibilities outlined in the NSW State Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN).

Operating with a high level of autonomy, you will oversee up to 6 direct reports and manage significant resources. You will be expected to balance diverse stakeholder interests, resolve contentious issues under tight timeframes, and provide expert advice to the Executive Director, Ministerial offices, and senior executives. This is a role that demands strategic insight, operational excellence, and the ability to foster collaboration across government, industry, and communities. 

About You
You are a strategic leader with extensive knowledge of program and project management, proven executive-level skills in leadership, and a strong record of building partnerships across government and industry. Your career reflects a consistent ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes programs, navigate political and financial complexities, and deliver outcomes that strengthen resilience and protect NSW’s agricultural and environmental assets.

You bring experience in leading statewide programs, supported by strong communication skills to articulate complex concepts and influence diverse audiences. You are adept at negotiating, resolving conflicts, and building consensus, with the ability to anticipate and manage risks in dynamic and challenging environments. Your leadership style inspires and motivates teams, fosters collaboration, and builds capability across the organisation.

You act with integrity, uphold the values of the NSW public sector, and demonstrate resilience, accountability, and a commitment to public value. You are highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, program governance, and risk management, and you thrive in roles that require both strategic vision and operational delivery. Above all, you are motivated by a commitment to strengthening NSW’s emergency management and biosecurity capability for the benefit of communities and industries across the state. 

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please view the role description here.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lisa Szabo on 0434 317 799 or email lisa.szabo@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Monday, 6 April 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

  The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

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

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.