THE CLIENT

Our client, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), is the Australian Government statutory agency responsible for the management and regulation of all agricultural and veterinary chemical products (AgVet) in Australia. The APVMA regulate agricultural and veterinary chemicals to manage the risks of pests and diseases for the Australian community and to protect Australia’s trade and the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.

THE OPPORTUNITIES – Lead Australia’s Regulatory Future in Agvet Chemical Safety

The APVMA is seeking experienced and forward-thinking Directors to oversee critical functions in their Risk Assessment Capability and Registration Management programs.

As an EL2 Director you will play a key role in ensuring Australia’s agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products are safe, effective, and support the nation’s trade interests. These senior positions involve leading teams of scientific and administrative professionals, managing complex application and review processes, and contributing to regulatory decisions that shape public health, environmental safety, and industry innovation.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

Pesticides Section – Registration Management Program

This opportunity has arisen due to the planned retirement of the current incumbent. The section is responsible for evaluating applications for the registration and variation of agricultural chemical products in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

This is one of two Director positions that jointly lead the section. Together, the Directors oversee a multidisciplinary team of approximately 33 full-time equivalent staff, comprising scientific risk managers and administrative personnel. The Director in this role will have two EL1 direct reports and will primarily lead the scientific evaluation function, while the second Director, who oversees the administrative function, has three EL1 direct reports. In this role, you will provide strategic direction, ensure scientific and regulatory integrity in decision-making, and manage relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and non-government organisations.

Pre-Evaluation & Quality Section – Registration Management Program

This role has become available following the departure of a long-standing team member who has taken up a new opportunity. The position is responsible for ensuring that all applications received are complete and scientifically appropriate before proceeding to full evaluation.

You will lead a team of approximately 12 full-time equivalent staff, including three EL1 Assistant Directors, who are split across veterinary and pesticide risk management functions. All three EL1s report directly to this role. A key focus of the role is assessing the quality and completeness of application submissions—that is, ensuring that applications meet the necessary scientific and regulatory standards prior to evaluation. Responsibilities include oversight of pre-application assistance, initial assessment, and evaluation planning; ensuring that scientific modules and assessment criteria are applied correctly; and providing final sign-off on evaluation plans and notices issued to applicants.

Chemical Review Section – Risk Assessment Capability Program

This opportunity has become available due to the planned retirement of the current incumbent, who has provided valued leadership in this space. The team is responsible for leading post-market reviews of existing chemical products and active constituents to ensure they continue to meet contemporary safety standards.

You will manage a small, experienced team of seven full-time equivalent staff, comprising two EL1 Assistant Directors, four APS6s, and one APS5. Most of the team’s work relates to pesticide products. In this role, you will oversee evidence-based evaluations and guide the development of regulatory actions such as label changes and reconsiderations. You will also play a key role in making recommendations that protect public health, the environment, and trade, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR – Essential Requirements for all Positions

Appropriate tertiary qualifications and work experience in a relevant scientific discipline, such as agricultural or horticultural science; agronomy; biological, chemical or veterinary science; or chemical regulation.

Scientific and Regulatory Expertise – Demonstrated ability to apply scientific methodologies and technical knowledge to evaluate product applications and regulatory variations, within a complex legislative and policy framework.

Analytical and Decision-Making Skills – Proven experience in analysing complex and sensitive regulatory issues, synthesising input from multiple scientific domains, and formulating defensible, evidence-based recommendations and decisions.

Leadership and Team Management – Strong leadership capabilities, including experience managing diverse or technically specialised teams. Ability to set high-level priorities, manage competing demands, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Thinking and Program Delivery – Capacity to lead and contribute to strategic planning, coordinate the delivery of agency programs, and support corporate outcomes through the development of regulatory strategies and operational initiatives.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-level documents (e.g., Senate Estimates briefs, Ministerial submissions), deliver complex briefings, and represent the agency in key domestic and international forums.

Collaboration and Relationship Management – Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, external industry groups, and government bodies to facilitate cross-agency collaboration and regulatory decision-making.

Autonomy and Accountability – Ability to work independently under broad direction, exercise sound judgment in complex scenarios, manage risks effectively, and take responsibility for delivering high-quality outcomes.

Desirable:

Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience in relevant disciplines.

Relevant experience in Australian agricultural practices within a regulatory setting, coupled with knowledge of APS legislation, ethics, and governance.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please click the “Apply” button and submit the following:

A cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position, which role(s) you are applying for, and why you believe you have the skills, capabilities, knowledge, and experience to be considered for the role. In doing so, please address the Essential Requirements.

A current resume outlining your experience, achievements and capabilities that will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of this role(s).

CONTACT

To have a confidential discussion about this role, you can call Helen on 0438 620 434 or Renee on 0403 727 598 or send a text to organise a suitable time. If you would like to enquire electronically, please email [email protected]

Applications close at midnight, 1st June 2025

THANK YOU

CS Executive Group would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to apply for this role. You may wish to visit our website to view all our current opportunities: www.csexecutivegroup.com