Director Biosecurity Emergency Prep & Response

We are looking for a senior leader currently operating at, or with demonstrated readiness to step up to, executive or director level in government, with broad leadership and coordination capability built through emergency management or another high-pressure, multi-agency environment. Biosecurity subject knowledge is favourable but not essential; what matters most is the ability to listen, learn quickly, and work confidently within an established Incident Management Team structure. Cross-agency experience, whether in state or Commonwealth government, service delivery, or a centre-of-government setting, is highly valued. The successful candidate will bring proven people leadership, with the capability to scale from a core team of around 45 to coordinating hundreds, or during a major event, thousands of people drawn from across the department and beyond. This is a coordination, reporting and communication role rather than a command and control one. Candidates should be comfortable acting as the buffer and interface between on-ground incident management and the demands of senior executives and ministers' offices, confident directing the use of systems and technology without needing to be a specialist, and resilient and clear-headed under sustained pressure.

For further information about the role, download a copy of the candidate information pack, please visit https://www.derwentsearch.com.au/job-results#OurOpportunities and select the role title. For specific enquiries, please contact Emma Alberici at-e-mail ealberici@derwentsearch.com.au referencing 34869.

Alternatively call Felicity Gillard on mobile 0410 318 002 or e-mail felicity.j.gillard@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Applications Closing date: Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 11:55pm.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au and a member of the team will contact you for a confidential discussion.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo police checks, health assessments and other assessments as required.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve