Executive Director Biosecurity & Food Safety

Job Description

Executive Director Biosecurity & Food Safety Full-time ongoing Senior Executive Band 2 role – TRP from $300,137 per annum (including superannuation) Located in Orange or other NSW locations Lead with purpose and protect NSW’s people, environment, and industries. Leverage your expertise to safeguard NSW against biosecurity threats and ensure food safety while shaping strategic policies and programs that drive impactful outcomes. About the Role NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety (BFS) plays a primary role in protecting the NSW economy, environment, and the community from the negative impacts of biosecurity and food safety risks. With a focus on preparing, protecting and responding, this critical function underpins the state’s agricultural productivity, environmental health, and public safety, reinforcing the resilience of our primary industries. As Executive Director Biosecurity and Food Safety, you will take a leadership role in implementing the NSW Biosecurity Strategy, ensuring that the state’s biosecurity systems are robust, science-based, and capable of addressing emerging threats. This is a high-stakes, 24/7 operation that demands strong decision-making, strategic vision, and the ability to act swiftly to mitigate risks and protect market access for NSW primary producers. Key Responsibilities Driving Strategy, Policies and Programs Developing and Overseeing Compliance and Emergency Programs Leading Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration Managing Resources and Strengthening Governance This role requires a proactive, visionary leader who can navigate complex challenges, drive systemic improvements, and ensure NSW’s biosecurity and food safety systems are prepared to meet both current and future demands. It’s an opportunity to shape a safer, more resilient future for the state while contributing to the success of its industries and communities. About You You are a proven senior executive with experience leading biosecurity, regulatory compliance, or related fields in complex and diverse environments. Your expertise in policy development, emergency management, and stakeholder collaboration will be critical to ensuring NSW’s biosecurity resilience and food safety standards. Through your skills and experience, you demonstrate: Strategic leadership in driving outcomes across government, industry, and community. Exceptional judgment and decision-making in high-stakes environments. Proven fiscal management with the ability to prioritise and operate within a designated budget envelope. The ability to balance immediate response needs with long-term strategic planning. As part of the Agriculture and Biosecurity Executive Leadership Team, you will influence cross-government strategies and play a key role in achieving DPIRD’s mission. Why Us? The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long-term benefits to the state. With nearly 5,000 employees, 80% of whom live and work in regional NSW, DPIRD offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative work in diverse, impactful environments. Interested? If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a difference in safeguarding NSW’s biosecurity and food safety, we invite you to apply online. Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing your suitability for this position. Application Closing Date: Sunday 2 March at 11:55 pm. A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of a similar standard that may become available in the next 18 months. The successful applicant may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other assessments as needed. At DPIRD, diversity and inclusion are core values. We are proud of a team that reflects the richness of the NSW communities we serve. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr