Some portfolio leadership roles require you to choose between remaining close to delivery and gaining influence over the wider investment portfolio.

This opportunity brings both together.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is establishing a new Digital, Data & Technology operating model to support its next stage of growth. ARENA is seeking a Director, Portfolio Delivery & Governance to improve how initiatives are prioritised, sequenced, governed and delivered while personally leading selected strategic projects.

This is not a traditional PMO leadership role.

Approximately 75% of the position will remain focused on delivery, with the balance covering portfolio governance, assurance and executive reporting.

About ARENA

ARENA supports Australia’s transition to net zero by funding renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, helping emerging technologies and commercial models move towards practical application.

The agency also shares knowledge from the projects it supports, helping government and industry make better future investment decisions.

With approximately 150 employees across Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, ARENA is large enough to undertake nationally significant work while remaining small enough for individual leaders to have genuine visibility and influence.

The organisation is investing in modern applications, trusted data, practical AI, security and stronger delivery capability. The goal is to give employees more time for higher-value work and increase ARENA’s ability to support grant activity without relying solely on additional headcount.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Manager, Digital, you will establish and lead ARENA’s Portfolio Delivery & Governance function.

Initial reporting and governance foundations have been introduced, and a monthly Project Portfolio Steering Committee is being established.



Your opportunity is to turn those early foundations into a practical and trusted capability that improves decision-making and delivery across the organisation.

You will

- Establish a consolidated view of ARENA’s change portfolio
- Improve prioritisation, planning and sequencing
- Make risks, dependencies and resource constraints visible
- Strengthen executive reporting and decision support
- Introduce proportionate project, program and portfolio standards
- Improve benefits visibility and operational handover
- Develop Project Management and Business Analysis capability
- Personally lead selected strategic or higher-risk initiatives

The portfolio spans data, AI, applications, cyber security, technology operations and broader organisational change. Why This Role Is Different

ARENA does not want a leader who reports that delivery is off track and waits for someone else to solve it.

You will be expected to step into complex situations, bring the right people together and help determine what needs to change.

Importantly, you will join while the portfolio function, governance forums and wider Digital operating model are still being shaped. Rather than inheriting someone else’s framework, you will help define what good delivery looks like for ARENA.

The challenge is to introduce enough structure to create confidence without imposing unnecessary bureaucracy on a lean organisation.

For someone motivated by curiosity, ownership and building capability,



this is an opportunity to leave a visible legacy.

About You

You may currently be a Head of Delivery, Portfolio Manager or Program Manager. Equally, you may be an experienced delivery leader who is ready to step into your first Director-level opportunity and take on broader accountability.

You will bring strong end-to-end delivery experience, practical portfolio governance capability and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders. You will know how to bring people together, ask questions that improve decision-making and adapt established practices to suit the organisation in front of you.

ARENA is open to strong step-up candidates with the judgement, curiosity, energy and appetite to take ownership, remain close to delivery and help build a capability that is still evolving.

Why Join ARENA?

This role offers the breadth, visibility and ownership that can be difficult to find in a larger enterprise.

You will work directly with senior leaders, contribute ideas and broaden your experience across portfolio strategy, Digital and organisation-wide change, while seeing how your decisions support ARENA’s wider mission.

ARENA will invest in your development and give you the opportunity to build capabilities you may not have today, making this particularly attractive for a senior delivery skilled ready to take the next step in their career.

Next Steps For a confidential discussion, please contact Steven Fulop on [0418 994 446](tel:0418 994 446) or [email protected]

Alternatively, please contact Anthony Trimboli on [0422 604 782](tel:0422 604 782) or [email protected] xceltium has been exclusively retained by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to manage this appointment. All direct and third-party applications will be referred to xceltium and treated with the strictest confidence.

📌 Director, Portfolio Delivery and Governance (Sydney)
🏢 Xceltium
📍 Sydney