National Observations Operations Manager

We are seeking a highly talented and motivated Senior Officer to lead the Bureau’s National Observing Operations (OS&O). The OS&O Program is part of the Data & Digital Group. This is an exciting leadership role, responsible for the management and coordination of observational systems and services for 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 with international standards.

To be successful you will:

• Have a proven ability to work as part of a leadership team, thinking strategically and planning for the future;
• Have a proven record of delivering outcomes and proactively taking the initiative;
• Have strong leadership skills, with experience in leading a diverse range of staff across a wide geographic area, encouraging flexibility and innovation

This position is primarily responsible and accountable for the delivery 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.

In achieving these primary responsibilities, the Manager National Observing Operations is responsible for, amongst other things:

• ensuring all work within the program is carried out safely and in accordance with WHS directives;
• managing a distributed network across all of Australia’s states and territories, including offshore islands and Antarctica;
• driving the efficient operation of all of the observing networks;
• facilitating change, continuous improvement and innovation within the networks;
• critical incident response and management;
• the development, management and delivery of the annual operational plan for the National Observing Operations Team;
• management of the National Observing Operations budget, staffing and other resources;
• determining and facilitating the necessary training and competencies for National Observing Operations staff;
• supporting WHS initiatives and overseeing compliance;
• leadership of business development activities;
• high-level liaison including with the OS&O Executive and leadership team, State Managers, media, etc.; and
• external engagement on relevant matters of interest.

This position is responsible for the overarching management of the Bureau’s operational observing workforce, distributed nationally across eight Observing Operations Hubs and a number of 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.

This position is also responsible for overseeing a team located in Head Office that operates specialist networks, manages budgets and logistics, and monitors the overall health and performance of each component network. This team contributes to scientific and engineering improvement for the respective networks as well as identifying business as usual work packages for delivery through the Observing Operations Hubs to support the agreed Service Level Agreements for customers. The team establishes, monitors and reports on achievements against key performance indicators.