National Observing Operations Manager

Executive Level 2

Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney

$154,800 - $165,263, plus an additional 15.4% superannuation

Position overview

We are seeking a highly talented and motivated Senior Manager to lead the Bureau's National Observing Operations. This position will be working in the Observing Systems and Operations (OSO) Program in the Data and Digital Group (DDG). This is an exciting leadership role, responsible for the management and coordination of observational systems and services to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The portfolio of responsibility embraces a complex composite observing network comprising diverse measurement platforms and technical infrastructure deployed nationally and aligned to international standards. This position is primarily responsible and accountable for the delivery of the field components of the Bureau's Observations Systems & Operations program, spanning meteorological, hydrological, space weather and environmental observations, and managing change across the network through implementing the operational aspects of the Bureau’s Observing System Strategy.

You report directly to the General Manager, Observing Systems and Operations. This position is responsible for the overarching management of the Bureau’s field operations workforce, distributed nationally across eight Observing Operations Hubs and several staffed field offices. The hubs are operational centres located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Cairns. Nationally, the operational workforce comprises more than 200 technical officers, who execute over 1500 missions a year in remote and harsh environments.

The role works closely with OSO and DDG Asset, Business, Project, and Engineering specialist groups to deliver services at defined service levels in support of the Bureau's Strategic Objectives.

This position requires highly developed skills in leading national teams under pressure and the ability to work in critical national operational environments which are highly dynamic and where priorities are critical and where change is frequent, often in short and/ or shifting time frames.

To be successful you will have:

• A proven ability to work as a member of a nationally distributed leadership team thinking strategically and planning for the future.
• High-level management experience leading a diverse range of staff across a wide national and international geographic area,
• High-level liaison and experience with Senior Executive and Leadership teams across a diverse enterprise context including media, parliamentary, science and engineering teams.
• Driving the efficient operation of all the observing networks at a national scale. Proven record of delivering outcomes and proactively taking the initiative during periods of national crisis events.
• Critical incident response and management.
• The development, management, and delivery of the annual operational plan for the National Observing Operations Team and leadership of business development activities
• Strong and proven history leading a safety focused culture and the ability to develop and support quality working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (both internal and external) to respond to needs, manage expectations, and solve problems.
• Extensive experience and a strong understanding of the coordination and delivery of operational activities to defined service levels and agreements across a range of networks and functions.
• Ability to clearly articulate risks and issues to the senior executive teams
• Management of the National Observing Operations budget, staffing and other resources
• Outstanding communication, influencing, people and resilience skills
• A proven ability to work in a team environment, to lead and develop people, and encourage flexibility and innovation

Role responsibilities

Under the direction of the General Manager, Observing Systems and Operations, the responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Strategic alignment: actively lead the National Observing Operations leadership team and participate as a member of the the OSO Executive, contributing to strategy and long-term planning. Make decisions and develop National Observing Operations plans and policies that align with Bureau strategy, the Observing System Strategy and other strategic and legislative requirements.
• Leadership: Confidently leading a geographically distributed team, to ensure effective resource management, workforce planning, and management of staff development, wellbeing, and performance. Lead the team in driving the efficient operation of the Bureau's observing networks.
• Network Management: overall responsibility for the operations of the Bureau’s observing network and Service Level Agreements. Monitor, advise, report and respond to network activities, quality & performance Key Performance Indicators (KPI's). Ensure maintenance of the observing record and data quality standards.
• WHSE: Drive National Observing Operations WHSE initiatives to completion, ensuring there is a compliance culture within the program and that all staff are aware of their obligations and Bureau WHSE procedures. Keep your own state of knowledge current in line with the industry state of knowledge for this role.
• Delivery: responsible for the overall delivery of the annual operational plan and work packages for National Observing Operations and accountable for the associated program budgeting, staffing and resource management activities.
• Network Improvement: contribute to the planning and development of the Bureau’s observing network with a view to building capability and responsiveness within network operations. Identify gaps and areas of improvement and innovation across network operations and work with others to realise these enhancements.
• Relationship management: nurture and sustain relationships and cooperation with National Observing Operations and Bureau stakeholders including the OS&O Executive and leadership team, State Managers, business development opportunities, etc.
• Communication: Maintaining exceptionally high written and verbal communication skills, which reflect the trust and quality associated with the Bureau brand, while supporting section members to develop and maintain these standards
• Quality Management: Plan and develop strategies for the quality and effectiveness of products and services and the ongoing development, implementation and continual improvement of the Quality Management System to achieve and maintain the ongoing certification of compliance with the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Understand and promote an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity and complies with the Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Commitment.
• Compliance: Complying with all Bureau work, health and safety policies and procedures, and taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct.

Selection criteria

The Bureau encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Applications will be considered based on alignment with selection criteria, which have been matched to the APS work level standards and Integrated Leadership System (ILS) for Executive Level 2 positions.

1. Leadership

• A people-centred leader who embraces new ways of working across multidisciplinary teams
• Establishes credibility with staff, customers, partners and stakeholders through domain expertise and a strong ability to lead in complex, sensitive and often evolving situations.
• Deeply curious about the evolving landscape, and committed to a future where the Bureau is dynamic, relevant and the trusted source of information for weather, climate and water when it matters most
• Shows judgement, temperament, intelligence, and a growth mindset

2. Shapes Strategic Thinking

• Inspires a sense of purpose and direction.
• Focuses strategically, harnesses information and opportunities.
• Shows judgment, intelligence and common sense.

3. Cultivates Productive Working Relationships

• Builds and sustains positive relationships with stakeholders across the Bureau and other external partners and/or agencies.
• Facilitates cooperation and partnerships.
• Self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.

4. Achieves Results

• A strong results orientation with a bias to action, problem solving and operational excellence.
• Assembles relevant multidisciplinary capabilities to provide customers with an outstanding experience.
• Collaborates and implements change within a complex and dynamic operating environment
• Exemplifies and fosters a culture of personal accountability for delivery of expected outcomes.

5. Personal Drive and Integrity

• Unwavering professionalism and alignment with the values of the Australian Public Service
• Comfortable with ambiguity and shows personal courage and resilience
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development

6. Communicates with Influence

• Contributes to building a high-performing culture that values diversity, inclusion, and workplace safety
• Communicates with clarity and authority with senior leaders and key customers, partners, and stakeholders
• Listens, understands and adapts style to suit varying audiences and situations
• Negotiates persuasively

7. Relevant Skills and Expertise

• Demonstrated background in observations operations, systems and services
• Has strong leadership and management skills, with experience in leading a diverse range of staff across a wide geographic area, encouraging flexibility and innovation
• Has a track record in managing a distributed program and workforce
• Is a talented communicator and change lead

All Selection Criteria are rated equally.

Mandatory qualifications

• A degree or diploma of an Australian educational institution, or a comparable overseas qualification, which is appropriate to the duties; OR
• Other comparable qualifications, which are appropriate to the duties OR
• Relevant experience and training, which enables the employee to competently perform the duties at this level.

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Hold a Current Australian Drivers Licence
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance from the Australian Government Vetting Agency (AGSVA)