NCIRS Head, Operation & Strategy

• Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until 30 June 2029
• Position Classification: Health Mgr Lvl 5
• Remuneration: 180279 - 201662 full-time equivalent base salary range (+12% super + 17.5% leave loading and salary packaging)
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Requisition ID: REQ705277
• Location: Network
• Applications Close: Midnight on 22 November 2026
• For role related queries or questions contact Melissa Grand on [email protected]
• As this is a re-advertised position, previous applicants need not apply.
• At the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, every role helps children and young people live their healthiest lives.
• As the largest paediatric health service in Australia, we care for thousands of children each year, in hospital and at home. Our people are united by compassion, collaboration and excellence in care.

What you'll be doing

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS) is the leading organisation in Australia that undertakes policy-relevant research and evaluation and provides objective expert advice on all aspects of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), vaccines and other issues related to immunisation, to inform policy and planning for immunisation services in Australia and to support initiatives to control VPDs across the whole life-course.

NCIRS also has a growing Global Health program that works to support countries, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region, on their immunisation system strengthening efforts. This work is funded through agreements with the Australian and New South Wales governments, the Australian Centre for Disease Control, as well as other research and international health funding agencies.

The NCIRS Head of Operation and Strategy provides senior operational, executive and strategic oversight of NCIRS’ operational performance, ensuring effective day-to-day management, organisational coordination compliance and alignment with strategic intent. Together with the Director, the position leads centre-wide strategic planning, priority setting and ensures governance processes are maintained to meet all centre-wide objectives, contractual and funding requirements.

The position holds responsibility for all internal operations across more than 120 NCIRS staff. The position has significant responsibility and accountability for external engagement, representing NCIRS to key government, academic and other sector partners and stakeholders to advance organisational objectives and strengthen strategic relationships in close collaboration with the Director of NCIRS.

This role has a focus on contributing actively to the provision of high-quality research activities.

Additional Benefits (where applicable): Flexible work opportunities, Salary packaging and meal entertainment benefits, accrued days off (ADOs), fitness passport, employee assistance program (EAP)

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including

A resume (maximum 5 pages) outlining your experience

Responses to the questions below

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and equivalent experience in a senior leadership and management role in a research organisation, ideally with a public health focus.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operational management of a complex research organisation.
• Demonstrated ability in the planning and implementation of strategic and operational plans for research activity.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, negotiation and influencing skills which demonstrate the capacity to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, both internal and external to NCIRS.
• Demonstrated capability in complex budgeting and financial management across multiple portfolios, contracts and funders to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the use of transition/change management processes and the ability to work across structures to achieve common purpose.
• Demonstrate a culture of quality and patient safety in clinical research.
• Lead, manage and develop staff, including setting performance expectations, providing coaching and feedback and fostering a collaborative high performing team culture.

Child Safe Standards

SCHN is committed to maintaining a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, in line with NSW Health’s commitment to the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information

• SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, recognising that a diverse workforce strengthens our culture and enhances the care we provide to children, young people and their families.
• Permanent NSW Health roles require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders may be considered where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is identified.
• NSW Healthvaccination and screening requirements must be met prior to commencement.
• This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
• Where required, overseas qualifications must be formally assessed by the Department of Education or relevant authority for recognition in Australia.
• An Eligibility List may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
• Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families. For application support, visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application, or contact the SCHN’s Aboriginal Workforce Consultant at [email protected]

For technical support please contact 1300 679 367

Learn more about The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

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