Director Research Services

Job Details • Orange, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Experienced senior leader with demonstrated capability in managing research operations, scientific infrastructure, or complex service delivery environments.
• Extensive experience leading high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams, with a strong track record in strengthening governance, improving business systems and lifting operational performance.
• Sound financial acumen, experience delivering capital and infrastructure programs, and commercial insight across agricultural, scientific and research settings.
• Excel at building strategic partnerships across industry, research and government, and you communicate with influence to shape whole‑of‑government outcomes.
• Model ethical, professional behaviour and demonstrate a strong commitment to the NSW Public Sector values of trust, integrity, accountability and service

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees