Overview
Australian Department of Defence – Darwin NT
The Security and Estate Group (SEG) is looking to fill a range of Director positions:
Director of Vetting Operations - External Security Vetting Services (ESVS)
The Director of Vetting Operations - ESVS is pivotal in safeguarding Australia's national security by delivering responsive and assured whole of government security clearance vetting services within the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). In this role, you will manage vetting operations in a dynamic environment; lead a high-performing and geographically dispersed team of vetting professionals.
* Team sizes range from approximately 15 Australian Public Service (APS) employees to larger teams comprising both APS employees and contractors, totalling more than 60 staff.
* The total APS workforce is approximately 190 staff across five locations.
* Manage a panel of external vetting service providers that deliver elements of AGSVA's core vetting functions, including contract management, case coordination, performance monitoring, and quality assurance.
* Oversee assurance programs to strengthen organisational compliance with whole-of-Government security vetting requirements and manage clearance casework and decision-making across all security levels, including pre-assessment and maintenance activities.
* Be responsible for case throughput in accordance with AGSVA's Service Level Charter timeframes.
* Exercise leadership with strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and influence across Defence and whole-of-Government.
Location: Flexible in either Canberra ACT, Darwin NT, Brisbane QLD, Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Adelaide SA, Perth WA
Director of International Security Policy
The Director of International Security Policy leads the development, advocacy, and implementation of advice on complex strategic and international policy issues. This is a critical leadership role, influencing Australia's national security interests and ensuring the secure sharing of official information with foreign partners to advance Australia's strategic objectives.
* Provide direction and oversight across the policy function, ensuring integration and consistency in advice and implementation.
* Manage and develop high-performing teams, set clear expectations, and drive performance and capability.
* Oversee resource allocation, priorities, and workflows to deliver outcomes aligned with Defence's objectives; prepare complex briefs, reports, and correspondence to support senior decision-making.
* Advise on emerging challenges, recommend policy responses, and represent Defence at national and multinational engagements.
* Build and sustain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, negotiate effectively, and anticipate sensitivities to achieve policy objectives.
* Ensure compliance with legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks while developing strategic guidance for programs and initiatives shaping Australia's security posture.
This position requires an NV2 security clearance.
Location: Campbell Park – ACT
Director of Service Delivery
As the Director of Service Delivery, you will lead a large, regionally dispersed workforce responsible for delivering base support and estate services across a dynamic and complex Defence environment. This high-profile leadership role drives integration and alignment of regional services to achieve national consistency, innovation, and reform. You will champion customer-focused outcomes, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
* Reporting to the Assistant Secretary Regional Services, you will influence strategic priorities, lead change, and manage geographically dispersed teams to deliver essential estate and service functions.
* The role requires frequent travel across Defence establishments and participation in leadership development activities, including interstate travel and overnight stays in Defence-approved or on-site accommodation.
* This is a dynamic opportunity for a collaborative leader who excels in fast-paced environments and is dedicated to advancing Defence's mission.
* This position requires a Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) security clearance.
* Two vacancies: Sydney NSW & Edinburgh SA
About our Team
SEG develops, sustains and protects the Defence estate. SEG is the consolidated security and service delivery organisation for Defence. SEG's mission is to enable Defence capability by working in partnership with our clients to deliver integrated services through a highly capable workforce. SEG comprises four divisions (Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Security and Estate Transformation) that together create a secure Defence estate, supporting Defence's mission and the integrated, focused force described in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Our current vacancies exist in the following divisions:
Defence Security Division
The Defence Security Division provides adaptable security services to Defence and Defence industry, and provides timely, considered guidance to all Defence employees. The division comprises four branches: Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), Defence Industry Security, Security Policy & Services, and Security Threat & Assurance.
Service Delivery Division
The Service Delivery Division (SDD) delivers vital on-the-ground services that support Defence personnel across Australia by maintaining living, working, and training environments. Service Zones oversee estate management, base operations, risk management, and coordination.
Please note: While current vacancies exist within the Defence Security and Service Delivery Divisions, this recruitment process may be used to establish a merit pool to fill similar roles across SEG, nationally.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and strategic capability. They will bring advanced people management skills to lead, develop, and motivate high-performing teams, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture across geographically dispersed workforces. Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills are essential, including the ability to negotiate persuasively and influence outcomes at senior levels. Candidates will exhibit resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure, while maintaining accountability for delivering high-quality results.
We are seeking individuals with proven experience in driving organisational improvement and embedding reform, coupled with strong coaching and mentoring skills to build workforce capability and support continuous improvement. Extensive knowledge of legislative frameworks, government decision-making processes, and Defence compliance requirements is critical to success in these roles.
Role-specific skills
Director of Vetting Operations – ESVS
* Experience leading large, nationally dispersed high performing teams.
* Experience delivering high-volume, high-tempo operational outcomes within defined Key Performance Indicators.
* Proven ability to deliver high-quality protective security advice on complex and sensitive issues to senior stakeholders.
* Skilled in leading and managing the provision of protective security advice to stakeholders to ensure adherence to security policies, practices and procedures.
* Demonstrated ability to advocate productive and collaborative relationships with whole-of-Government stakeholders to achieve protective security objectives.
* Proven ability to interpret a range of data sources to effectively manage diverse activities in a fast moving operational environment.
Director of International Security Policy
* Understanding of national security and geostrategic issues to shape strategic policy direction.
* Demonstrated ability to anticipate emerging challenges and develop innovative, forward-looking policy responses aligned with Defence objectives.
* Proven ability to translate complex strategic considerations into clear, actionable advice for senior decision-makers.
* Ability to confidently represent Defence in high-level forums and manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
Director of Service Delivery
* Ability to translate complex operational, administrative, and technical requirements into practical, executable strategies.
* Skilled in influencing and negotiating with contract partners to integrate commercial delivery with Defence standards and reform objectives.
Application Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026
For further information please review the job information pack, reference SEG/00459/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=42C2DB21-76AC-8DCE-71C2-EC95CA8204E0
Note: This posting may contain site-related notices. Please ensure you review the official Defence Careers page for the authoritative details.
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