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Deputy Director / Science Director, CSIRO Manufacturing

Job Posted 3/8/2025
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Melbourne, Melbourne 3001
Category Management
Full-Time
Job Description
Deputy Director / Science Director, CSIRO Manufacturing

Location: Melbourne, VIC, AU Sydney, NSW, AU

Company: CSIRO

The opportunity
  • Lead high-impact collaborations across research, industry, and government to create global solutions and advance world-class science.
  • Leverage CSIRO's unique research and innovation capabilities to drive critical manufacturing breakthroughs.
  • Translate science to industry impact as a key leader in Australia's National Science Agency.

The role:

CSIRO is seeking a pragmatic, inspirational and engaging leader with the experience and the confidence to provide organisational wide strategic leadership. As Deputy Director, Manufacturing you'll report to the Research Unit Director and be a key member of both the Manufacturing Research Unit Leadership Team and the CSIRO Science Council. You will lead national science initiatives and high-impact projects, and step in for the Director when required. This role requires outstanding stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills to drive internal and external partnerships.

With a specialisation in manufacturing R&D and with a deep knowledge across the breadth of science, you will effectively contribute at Science Council, providing sound recommendations that contribute to CSIRO's investment in science. Concurrently, you will display an inherent strategically focussed business mindset that is attuned to organisational needs and that drives sustainability for CSIRO. You'll shape science capabilities, anticipate trends, and develop strategic infrastructure plans, as well as drive sustainability and build strategic relationships across government, industry, and academia. Your ability to lead with integrity, empower teams, and foster collaboration across a diverse workforce will be key to your success.

Your high level duties include:
  • Oversee the delivery of Manufacturing Future Science Platforms (FSPs), Science Leader Programs, and engage in relevant Research Unit-led FSPs.
  • Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic capability plans for people and scientific infrastructure aligned with Manufacturing's and CSIRO's objectives.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Leadership Teams to define and achieve the Research Unit's strategic requirements.
  • Work with CSIRO Deputy Directors/Science Directors to execute strategy and co-manage strategic relationships and alliances, ensuring competitive positioning and alignment with national interests.
  • Partner with Manufacturing Research Directors to build a diverse pipeline of scientific talent and lead the rewards and promotions process.

Location: Clayton, Melbourne or Lindfield, Sydney
Salary: Attractive Salary plus Motor Vehicle Allowance plus 15.4% super
Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years full-time

About you:
  • A degree with demonstrated achievement in senior leadership roles within manufacturing research or related sectors, ideally with postgraduate qualifications and a deep understanding of the manufacturing R&D industry.
  • Experience working within or across multidisciplinary organisations, with an understanding of complex corporate systems and processes.
  • Strong executive engagement and strategic relationship management skills that promote complex multi-stakeholder collaborations and initiatives, foster new opportunities and support national or international outcomes.
  • Ability to attract, retain, empower, and develop world-class talent while fostering multidisciplinary teams. Proven leadership capabilities to inspire, empower, and resolve complex technical, management, and administrative issues.
  • A proven track record leading complex change initiatives in a collaborative manner.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills with strong business acumen, a results-oriented approach, and financial skills.
  • Experience in strategic portfolio development and visionary program delivery, with the ability to build cross-organisational capability.

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must hold a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.