Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 860850
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

An outstanding opportunity exists for an experienced and influential leader to lead South Australia's preparedness and response capability as Program Manager, H5 Bird Flu Response.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Biosecurity, this role will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the H5 Bird Flu Response Program, in accordance with national response frameworks, government priorities and PIRSA’s strategic objectives. The Program Manager will lead a multidisciplinary response team, oversee incident planning and response activities, provide expert advice to government and industry stakeholders, and work collaboratively with national response partners to protect animal health, industry resilience, trade and market access.

This is a highly visible and strategically important appointment requiring a leader who can successfully operate in a complex and dynamic environment. You will bring significant leadership experience, exceptional strategic thinking capability, sound judgement and the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions in situations involving uncertainty, risk and competing priorities.

This role offers a rare opportunity to make a significant contribution to South Australia's biosecurity preparedness and response capability while working at the forefront of an issue of national importance. You will help shape strategic policy and response frameworks, strengthen organisational capability and play a pivotal leadership role in protecting one of the State's most important economic sectors.

What you’ll bring:

Experience leading large-scale programs, emergency management activities, biosecurity operations, regulatory functions, public sector initiatives or complex operational environments will be highly regarded.

Success in this role will require outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills with a demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across government, industry, national committees and other key partners. You will be an authentic and resilient leader who can build organisational capability, foster high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on governance, accountability and operational outcomes.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with:

• Opportunities for career progression, learning and development.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Work from home options.
• A range of leave options.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
• Access to discounted Fitness Passport memberships across SA.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• 12-month opportunity available.
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.

Remuneration

SS/SM 2 - $153,887 per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Nick Stillwell or Jacquie Graham
Stillwell Management Consultants
Phone: (+618) 8212 0999
E-mail: [email protected]

Application Instructions

Please apply at https://jobs.stillwellmanagement.com.au/job/job_details.cfm?id=1113331&from= and follow the instructions.

Applications close: 16/10/2026 5:30 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#3.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - SM2 Program Manager - H5 Bird Flu Response#2.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.