The Role
The EDRO leads a complex and highly integrated program of work to deliver leading-edge research infrastructure, including state of the art laboratories, to support priorities aligned to the Defence IS&T Strategy. Key to this is well-developed concept planning across Defence's major research estate and consideration of futuristic innovation precincts. EDRO is also responsible for application and compliance of the Defence Protective Security Policy Framework (DSPF) and WHS legislation, ensuring appropriate governance frameworks across Defence's complex scientific research infrastructure; that includes hazardous chemicals, explosive ordnance, ionising radiation as well as aviation and maritime research domains. EDRO is responsible for guidance and advice regarding the safety, security and planning for all research trials activities.
The position leads the strategic guidance, direction and collaboration necessary to deliver specialised enabling capabilities and services including significant coordination with Defence Shared Service Groups. EDRO is also responsible for providing detailed procurement, financial, asset & logistics management and data management advice to DSTG staff. EDRO's accountability for DSTG's business capability includes implementation of the Defence ERP program and the Group's implementation of contractor reduction and conversion initiatives.
EDRO leads 100 staff, with eight Directors across Infrastructure, Safety, Security, Research Trials and Business Capability Directorates. EDRO represents DSTG interests across a number of SES Band 1 fora, including the ERP Advisory Group, Integrated Service Delivery Program Board, Defence History & Heritage Board, Countering Espionage Threat to Defence Industry (CETDI), Woomera Range Complex Program Steering Group, the Business Partnering Forum, and Group & Services Forums. EDRO's stakeholder management remit is broad, including senior executive relationships with most Groups and Services, Universities and academia, AGSVA and external security and intelligence agencies.
The EDRO leads the following functions across DSTG:
Research Infrastructure and Resourcing outcomes, including:
* Strategic planning, acquisition and sustainment of ready-for-the-future laboratories and research facilities within innovation precincts
* Leading operational, sustainment and coordination activities for current and emerging laboratories and research facilities
* Defence S&T equipment, assets and resource management compliance
Research Safety outcomes, including:
* Ongoing development and assurance of a unique specialised safety system which helps DSTG to be a leader in Defence safety.
* Awareness of WHS legislation and systems thinking to support Defence scientists within a complex research environment.
* Leading people in the development of preventive strategies to address very complex, sensitive health and safety issues and objectives across DSTG.
Research Security outcomes, including:
* Continuing awareness of evolving Defence threat context and leading security awareness across DSTG
* Leading Defence S&T program integrity through security threat analysis, personnel security risk, controls and complex vetting issues as DSTG implements initiatives to uplift the security posture across the Group
* Liaison with the intelligence community, implementing security assurance and audit activities in a complex research environment
Business Capability outcomes, including:
* Enable the effective implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning across DSTG and ASCA, maximising usage of the Enterprise service offer.
* Enable the effective management of the DSTG and ASCA external workforce, supporting DSTG leadership to achieve Government intent to reduce APS reliance on an external workforce and achieve savings.
* Awareness of legislation, policy, procedures and standards in procurement, records management, asset management, logistics, travel, audit and fraud, integrity, business systems and business data. Inform DSTG leadership of issues, risks and offer solutions.
Trials Authority
* Provision of guidance, advice and support to DSTG trial proponents to assist with the safe, secure and efficient delivery of quality IS&T outcomes for Defence.
* Lead the continued uplift of the DSTG Trial Capability to meet CDS' intent and position DSTG as a leader in complex trial planning and execution within the IS&T context.
* Strategic planning to ensure the continued development of the DSTG Trials Capability to meet future IS&T objectives
About our Team
Defence Science and Technology Group Headquarters (DSTG HQ) Division, led by the Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (DCDS), provides strategic leadership, governance, and coordination across DSTG. Our vision is: Shape opportunities. Strengthen collaborations. Connect for success.
The Science and Technology Planning and Assurance branch drives organisational excellence by embedding robust planning, enabling effective operations and assuring governance. The branch is led by the Branch Chief Planning & Assurance.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will work as part of the branch executive team to create an environment which facilitates the sharing and effective utilisation of professional knowledge and skills. They will promote and organise effective teamwork, motivate staff and encourage them to contribute to a high performance culture, and manage people and issues in a flexible manner. The candidate will have an ability to establish and sustain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, negotiate and influence as required to develop and implement solutions to parties with differing or conflicting interests, and communicate with and influence key stakeholders on scientific and technical matters. They will need to comprehend and distil significant issues quickly and accurately and develop appropriate strategies in response. The candidate will have an ability to critically evaluate information, negotiate sound business and people agreements, and inspire a sense of purpose and direction for innovative change to support the delivery of Defence science and technology outcomes.
Experience required to be successful in the role:
* Experience working in an agile and dynamic environment.
* Experience delivering specialist enabling functions required to produce innovation science and technology outcomes.
* The ability to write well and adapt content according to the reader.
* Outstanding interpersonal skills with clear unambiguous communication skills
* effective listening-to-understand skills.
* A high level of integrity, and sound judgement and decision making experience.
Essential:
* Minimum of Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance or an ability to obtain.
Application Closing Date: Monday 02 March 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/00567/26 on