Director, Blue Policy and Planning
Blue Economy CRC | Hobart/Launceston (flexible arrangements considered)
About Us
Blue Economy CRC takes on the challenge of proving Australia's ocean industries can grow sustainably, profitably, and with community trust. We take on ambitious research agendas, build out ideas, design regulatory reform, and accelerate commercial outcomes. We push the limits of what's believed possible in offshore renewable energy and sustainable seafood production.
We are also six years into our ten-year Commonwealth program with 43 participants across eight countries, and proudly forward‑thinking and focused on solutions that outlast our funding cycle.
The Role
Under the general direction of the CEO, the Director Blue Policy and Planning manages the portfolio of work related to policy development and strategic planning; works closely with the Blue Economy CRC Research Director and Company Secretary/COO as part of the Management Team that administers the CRC research activities and overall supports the CRC in achieving its goals and milestones as outlined in the CRC's Strategic Plan .
What You'll Do
You'll lead a team of three specialists based in Tasmania and New Zealand, providing program‑wide policy oversight, and translating research into regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement into development consent.
* Drive strategic leadership on the CRC's policy and planning agenda.
* Oversee the open ocean aquaculture Blue Economy Zone demonstration trial and multi‑million‑dollar project portfolio, including building out Trans‑Tasman governance frameworks.
* Explore opportunities to extend the CRCs experiences in the broader oceanic regional neighbourhood.
* Navigate government, industry, research, and community stakeholder systems simultaneously.
* Assess commercial viability and provide clear recommendations.
* Function as part of the executive team, shaping organisational direction beyond 2029.
* Lead your team across Tasmania and New Zealand, with regular trans‑Tasman travel to build the working relationships that make regional collaboration work.
About You
Essential:
* Postgraduate qualifications in business, policy, law, science or related field.
* 10+ years senior management spanning policy and commercial domains.
* Multi‑million dollar project delivery with commercial accountability.
* Track record navigating complex regulatory frameworks and securing major approvals.
* Commercial literacy: business case development, ROI assessment, investment drivers.
* Senior stakeholder management at board, C‑suite, or ministerial level.
* Systems thinking, seeing how regulatory change affects investment, where one breakthrough unlocks another's potential.
* The ability to know when more consultation becomes expensive circularity.
Highly regarded:
* CRC or research translation experience.
* Deep knowledge of aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, or maritime sectors.
* Commonwealth/State regulatory expertise.
* Indigenous partnership experience.
* International blue economy policy experience.
* MBA alongside technical expertise.
What We Offer
* Competitive remuneration package.
* Professional development opportunities.
* Location flexibility with hybrid arrangements available.
* Regular interstate and trans‑Tasman travel (occasional offshore site visits).
Blue Economy CRC embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people and people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply.
Applications
Please send a cover letter and CV including three referees to
Close: COB 3 December 2025
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