Description

Shape a safer future for Victorians by leading the creation of Safe Food Victoria.

About the role

The Head, Safe Food Victoria Integration Management Office, will lead the design, organisation and implementation of transitional and change mangement activities to establish Victoria's new food safety regulator – Safe Food Victoria – on mid-2026. Safe Food Victoria (SFV) will consolidate and absorb existing food safety regulators PrimeSafe and Dairy Food Safety Victoria, in addition to operational food safety functions currently delivered by the Department of Health and Agriculture Victoria. The position will work closely with both agencies and the Department of Health, in addition to project partners within the Department of Treasury and Finance.

In addition to coordinating all activities of the SFV Integration Management Office and ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulatory structure, the position will be responsible for overseeing delivery of an implementation management plan to the inagural board of SFV. Following establishment of SFV, the position will play a critical role in supporting leadership of SFV, providing continued direction and guidance to the new agency with the role embedded in SFV from mid-2026.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in developing networks and fostering effective working relationships with key stakeholders, leading strategies and building consensus at senior levels across the Department, Victorian and Commonwealth agencies.
• Senior level management experience with a proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team of skilled and professional staff, promoting a respectful and engaged workforce in the delivery of major projects.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in a subject-related discipline and relevant post graduate qualifications would be well regarded.

About the organisation

We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios.

Our challenge is to maintain Victoria's liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centred approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.

This is a fixed term position available until 1 October 2026. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street Melbourne/Attwood with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Trevor Pisciotta, Executive Director Regulatory Policy and Programs, and Animal Welfare Victoria on 0419 774 212 or email trevor.x.pisciotta@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.