EL1 Program Manager

Assistant Director Program Manager (EL1)

• Location: Geelong VIC
• Contract Type: Contracted role until 31st December with further extensions
• Reports To: EL2 Director
• Supervisory Responsibility: Yes
• Pay Rate: $602.55/day + super
• Eligibility: Australian Citizenship is Mandatory requirement

About the Role

Are you an experienced public sector leader with a passion for driving meaningful reform? Our federal Government client is seeking a dynamic Program Manager to lead teams, manage complex projects, and shape strategic policy.

In this role, you will apply sound judgement to navigate sensitive issues, manage key stakeholder relationships, and oversee project outputs that have an agency-wide impact. You will foster a high-performing team culture while ensuring project delivery aligns perfectly with government priorities and legislative frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and analyse project outputs, aims and objectives
• Coordinate the use of specialist project service providers, including contractors and consultants
• Maintain expert knowledge in relevant areas and provide advice and technical expertise to guide project and program activities
• Coordinate strategic planning for longer-term project initiatives and program management
• Manage, deliver and monitor projects that may have an agency wide impact
• Undertake risk assessment and risk management activities for a project or program
• Applying sound judgement and decision-making to evaluate risks in the context of a complex and changing environment.
• Contributing to branch leadership, building a positive and high performing team culture.

What You Bring (Key Skills)

• Public Sector Leadership: Proven experience leading public sector teams to successfully deliver reform policies, projects, or programs.
• Policy & Data Expertise: Strong track record in developing strategic policy, analysing complex data, and writing high-level government briefs.
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Direct experience working with legislation and strategic commissioning.

Desirable Attributes

• Sector Knowledge: Understanding of the disability sector and Commonwealth procurement rules.
• Adaptability: High-level governance skills with the ability to pivot and respond to changing priorities.
• Education: A relevant bachelor's degree (or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree).