Who we are The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals. These goals are to: Maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it. Protect the Antarctic environment -understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system. Undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance. The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The Operations and Logistics Branch oversee our operations in Antarctica - supporting people in our year-round research stations and remote field bases. The branch oversees air and sea transport (and the contracts to manage Australia's icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina and Aviation capabilities) to transport expeditioners south and enable them to travel around Antarctica. We have staff with diverse skills, located primarily in Tasmania, in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island. The Operations Business Unit provides strategic leadership and coordination across the Operations and Logistics Branch, ensuring effective governance, planning, and delivery of Antarctic Activities. The section is responsible for reporting in line with departmental policies and improving cross branch communication. The key duties of the position include The Director, Operations Business Unit provides strategic leadership and coordination across the Operations and Logistics Branch, ensuring effective governance, planning, and delivery of Antarctic Activities. The role supports the Branch Head and works closely with section heads and corporate service areas to enhance operational performance and compliance. Responsible for strengthening governance and reporting frameworks in line with departmental policies, improving cross-branch planning and communication, and identifying opportunities for better coordination with other AAD branches and external stakeholders. Act as the primary liaison for corporate functions, ensuring consistency in budgeting, asset management, reporting, records, facilities, security, and risk management. Lead strategic reviews of branch functions to ensure alignment with the Australian Antarctic Strategy and Action Plan and maintains a formal governance framework to support decision-making and performance monitoring. Oversees workforce reporting to DCCEEW's People and Culture Division and supports the implementation of workplace culture improvements. Financial and procurement responsibilities include standardising budget development and expenditure reporting, identifying funding risks, and promoting efficient procurement planning and contract management in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. Support procurement administration to ensure value-for-money outcomes. Risk management duties, facilitate reviews and updates to the seasons risk register during the Antarctic summer season, conduct regular risk assessments, and report emerging risks to the AAD Executive. Oversight of operational documentation, ensure manuals and procedures remain current and compliant through annual reviews and stakeholder engagement. Recruitment responsibilities involve ensuring consistency in duty statements and work level standards across the branch. Coordinate the preparation of briefings and reports for executive and ministerial audiences, provides strategic advice on corporate policies, and supports whole-of-branch responses to reporting requirements. Leadership responsibilities include fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture across multidisciplinary teams. May oversee external contractors, engage with government agencies, represent the branch in high-level forums, and act on behalf of other EL2 officers during periods of vacancy or leave. Contribute to the broader DCCEEW and Australian Antarctic Program goals, including strategic planning, cultural leadership, and future capability development. For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.
