Job Description
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Adelaide (SA), Brisbane (QLD), Canberra (ACT), Darwin (NT), Melbourne (VIC), Perth (WA) or Sydney (NSW)
We are looking for a Branch Business Manager to support the Plant Sciences and Risk Assessment Branch and a Branch Business Manager to support the Plant Systems and Strategies Branch in the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division.
Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division and the departments’ goal.
We protect Australia’s plant health to support trade, the economy and the environment. Our division provides scientific advice, diagnostics, biosecurity training and risk assessments. We enable safe plant imports, strengthen systems and engage stakeholders. Surveillance and response are conducted at national entry points and approved sites, including northern Australia. We work closely with communities and Indigenous rangers to manage biosecurity risks, including in the Torres Strait.
The Plant Systems and Strategies Branch (PSaS) leads, supports, enables and coordinates key functions across the division to enhance risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, support a centralised model for the publication of import conditions, and to progress technical market access negotiations with trading partners. The branch is also building capacity to enhance our people, processes and systems to develop and improve capabilities and embed program and project management and change management practices.
The Plant Sciences and Risk Assessment Branch (PSARA) protect Australia’s farms, forests and communities by creating clear, science-based policies to stop exotic pests and diseases. Our team analyses plant biosecurity risks, advises on how to manage them and adapts to new threats. We also support market access by negotiating with trade partners and backing it with strong technical evidence.
There are two roles available, one in PSaS and one in PSARA. Both roles provide essential coordination and resource management support across the branches, ensuring smooth and effective operations. Working closely with Directors, and in partnership with Finance, HR and Procurement business areas, both will be instrumental in keeping the branches on track to deliver their biosecurity priorities. These roles are well-suited to candidates who thrive in enabling environments - working behind the scenes to ensure leaders and teams have the information, resources and support they need to succeed. Thess roles will provide strong leadership, support and governance to each branch.
This is where you play an important role.
The duties of each role will include, but are not limited to:
coordinating the branch budgets, financial planning and reporting requirements in partnership with the Finance and Investment Division
managing procurement, contract and supply activities to support branch operations and ensure compliance with departmental requirements
assisting with recruitment and HR processes across the branch and working closely with branch Directors and People Division
providing coordination and governance support to the Assistant Secretary and Directors, including branch-level reporting, planning and briefing
contributing flexibly to priority work across the branch, including surge support during peak periods
building and maintaining productive working relationships across the branch, division and department to support effective operations.
Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill two ongoing vacancies and that the roles may be able to be performed from any of the locations listed on the Job Description. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.
The following are mandatory requirements for this role:
Knowledge and Experience
Strong knowledge and experience in financial and resource management, including the delivery of financial strategies and business improvements.
A demonstrated understanding of the PGPA Act 2013, Commonwealth Procurement Rules and associated compliance requirements.
Sound experience in procurement, contract management and supply processes.
Experience in the use of TechnologyOne for financial management and reporting.
Experience coordinating across multiple teams or stakeholders to support organisational priorities.
Skills and capabilities
Strong financial literacy, including the capacity to interpret financial information, prepare reports and provide advice to support resource allocation and decision-making.
A proven ability to manage procurement and contract processes, ensuring compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and achieving value for money outcomes.
Highly developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under tight timeframes.
The capacity to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks, improve processes and support continuous improvement across branch operations.
Leadership skills appropriate to an EL1 role, including the ability to collaborate and coordinate work across multiple teams and contribute flexibly to branch and divisional priorities.
VetPaths
The Australian Public Service (APS) values the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that veterans gain during their Australian Defence Force (ADF) employment and encourage veterans to apply. Support may be available to veterans transitioning to meaningful APS careers through participation in VetPaths, which offers veterans an opportunity to participate in a six-month program offering formal learning and development, career mentoring and activities for wellness and peer support.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Branch Business Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Adelaide offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
