The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:
* growing innovative and competitive businesses, industries and regions
* investing in science and technology
* strengthening the resources sector.
Globally competitive industries are important contributors to Australia’s economic growth and productivity. Jobs and prosperity can be secured through competitive businesses and industries and opening new markets for Australian resources. The department works closely with industry, businesses, the science community, and other stakeholders to help build a globally confident and outward looking Australian economy through supporting science and commercialisation; growing business investment and improving business capability; and simplifying doing business.
For more information about the department please refer to our website www.industry.gov.au
Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
The key duties of the position include:
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) is seeking an experienced and strategic senior executive to lead the Business Grants Hub (BGH) as Head of Division.
The BGH plays a critical role in supporting the Australian Government’s economic agenda. It manages significant government programs to business, on behalf of DISR and 10 other Commonwealth government agencies. It is one of two grants hubs that provide end-to-end grants design and delivery services.
The Head of Division is responsible for ensuring grants administration is efficient, transparent, compliant and aligned with government priorities, while driving continuous improvement and innovation across the grant’s lifecycle.
As Head of Division, you will:
* Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Business Grants Hub, ensuring grants are delivered in a way that maximises impact and supports departmental and government priorities
* Oversee the end-to-end business grants design and delivery services, including application processing, grant distribution, stakeholder engagement, compliance and monitoring
* Ensure strong governance, risk management and compliance with relevant legislation, policies and frameworks, including the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines
* Build highly effective mutually beneficial relationships with other government agencies that use BGH services, and foster a service delivery culture within BGH
* Lead as part of the department’s senior executive cohort, demonstrating sound judgement, ethical leadership and an appropriate appetite for managing risk
* Foster a culture of integrity, transparency, collaboration and continuous improvement across the division
* Represent the department in cross-agency forums and contribute to whole-of-government initiatives.
We are seeking a senior executive with:
* Demonstrated experience leading large, complex organisations, ideally in a regulatory, grants, program delivery or service delivery environments
* A strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, governance, assurance and risk management, with the ability to operate effectively in a highly scrutinised environment
* Highly developed strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to deliver sustained results in a complex and dynamic context
* Exceptional people leadership capability, including experience leading and developing large, geographically dispersed teams
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with ministers’ offices, senior executives, government agencies, businesses and community stakeholders
* A demonstrated commitment to integrity, professionalism, accountability and the values of the Australian Public Service.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Cultural and Linguistically Diverse people, and people with disability are highly encouraged because your diverse experience, perspectives, and background will strengthen our service delivery, productivity, capability and innovation.
Eligibility
To apply, please submit an application online that includes:
* A current CV, including the contact details of 2 referees; and
* A pitch outlining how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best candidate for this role. Your pitch should consider the APS SES Band 2 capabilities, align to the key duties above and contain no more than 500 words.
Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application response CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Applicants must be Australian citizens and the successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) security clearance.
Notes
The successful candidate will be required to establish their work base at Industry House, Canberra.
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 13 April 2026.
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Neal Mason, Deputy Secretary, Enabling and Business Services, on 02 6102 9*** or via email on **********@industry.gov.au.
Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)
The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements. Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.