SESB1 National Manager, Specialist Capabilities

Location: Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne
Position Type: Ongoing | Full-Time
A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate

We are looking for a highly-skilled, committed and experienced senior executive to lead ACIC’s surveillance and technical collection capabilities – capabilities that are vital to understanding, revealing and disrupting serious and organised crime. We are looking for a leader who can inspire our people to innovate, integrate and deliver intelligence outcomes that make a tangible difference.

As part of the Executive Leadership Group, you will work closely with the Executive Director Collection Operations to deliver outcomes consistent with ACIC’s strategic direction, values and responsibilities. The ACIC deploys a diverse range of specialist capabilities, including covert technical operations, electronic and physical surveillance, human source management and advanced intelligence collection. The Specialist Capabilities branch plays a key role in supporting and driving the intelligence cycle through the collection of criminal intelligence through covert and sensitive means in close collaboration with internal operational teams and our external partners.

As a senior leader you will guide the effective use and enhancement of ACIC’s surveillance and technical operations. You will be responsible for ensuring that these capabilities are used lawfully to provide unique criminal intelligence and protect the Australian community.

You will also play a critical role in developing ACIC’s operational expertise, mentoring staff and ensuring our people are equipped to respond to new and emerging threats in an increasingly complex landscape.

Role Responsibilities


Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Specialist Capabilities branch, overseeing complex covert surveillance and technical collection operations that are vital to disrupting serious and organised crime.
Lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams responsible for the collection and development of sensitive criminal intelligence, ensuring outcomes support the broader intelligence cycle and operational objectives.
Shape and implement work programs that drive continuous improvement in specialist collection capabilities, strengthening ACIC’s impact.
Model professionalism, integrity and sound judgement in managing competing priorities, sensitive issues, and resource allocation within a dynamic environment.
Exercise well-developed judgement and strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to anticipate and analyse issues from multiple perspectives.
Engage with internal operational teams, law enforcement and intelligence partners, leveraging high level communication and relationship management skills to foster collaborative operational success.

Core Leadership Capabilities
We invite applications from experienced leaders with the following experience, skills and attributes:

Ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplined, diverse teams to innovate, develop and deploy intelligence solutions.
Ability to lead ACIC’s surveillance and technical collection capabilities to deliver operational outcomes.
Exceptional communication skills to support your team and deliver against ACIC’s strategic outcomes.
Proven ability to deliver results in a dynamic, high-pressure and challenging environment and to engage with risk.
Highly developed strategic and conceptual skills, with the ability to translate broad priorities into clear programs of work and measurable outcomes
A leadership style that fosters collaboration, accountability, innovation and diversity of thought, consistent with the APS Values.

Eligibility

Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the ACIC, applicants must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - The Australian community expects ACIC employees to maintain the highest levels of security and integrity. Successful applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting 1 security clearance.
Pre-Employment Screening – All candidates must satisfy an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) prior to being offered employment at the ACIC.

The ACIC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and champion diversity to ensure we reflect the community we serve, and pride ourselves on our vibrant culture. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, neurodiverse, mature aged employees and carers.

More information about our conditions is available in the ACIC Enterprise Agreement 2026-2027 on our website.

SES Candidate Kit - SESB1 National Manager, Specialist Capabilities - Various Locations

SES Candidate Kit - SESB1 National Manager, Specialist Capabilities - Various Locations