- Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne
- Applications close 29 October
- The salary range for this role is $126,391 - $134,225

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Practice Management Unit (PMU) sits within the Corporate and Information Law Branch in the Chief Counsel and Integrity Division (CCID). CCID provides strategic and practical legal services that support the Department's priorities and decision-making.

The PMU plays a central role in enabling the Legal Practice to deliver high-quality, consistent and client-focused legal services. PMU leads legal practice operations, governance, knowledge management, capability development, systems administration, administrative support and identifies and drives operational improvements across the Legal Practice.

Working closely with lawyers, clients and corporate stakeholders, the PMU develops and maintains the systems, processes, resources and frameworks that support effective practice management, knowledge sharing, informed decision-making and continuous improvement in legal service delivery.

The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to help shape how the Legal Practice operates. Working closely with the Practice Director and Practice Manager, you will lead and deliver business improvement and strategic initiatives that strengthen legal operations, governance, knowledge management, systems and service delivery across the Legal Practice.

You will drive operational improvement projects that increase efficiency, promote best practice, and enhance the systems, processes and resources that support high-quality legal services. Alongside project delivery, you will also undertake key business-as-usual operational and administrative functions that support the effective day-to-day operation of the Practice Management Unit and the broader Legal Practice.

Our ideal candidate

We are looking for someone who enjoys improving how work is done and can turn strategic priorities into practical outcomes.



You may have developed these skills through legal operations, legal practice, project delivery, business improvement, governance, policy, operations or corporate services. Experience working with complex business systems and delivering operational improvements will be highly regarded, particularly in legal operations, practice management or environments that support the delivery of legal services.

Successful candidates will be able to:

- Lead strategic projects and practice improvement initiatives that strengthen legal operations, governance, systems, knowledge management and service delivery.
- Provide high-quality analysis, advice and recommendations to support decision-making, identify risks and opportunities, and solve complex business problems.
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of frameworks, processes, resources and systems that enhance the efficiency, quality and consistency of legal services.
- Build and maintain productive relationships across the Legal Practice, Department and external stakeholders, influencing outcomes and coordinating delivery of shared priorities.
- Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the PMU and Legal team, exercising sound judgement, taking initiative and fostering a proactive, solutions-focused culture.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, change initiatives and business improvements, delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.
- Experience driving improvements to systems, processes, governance arrangements or service delivery, including the effective use of business systems and technology.
- Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities and provide sound, evidence-based advice.
- Highly developed organisational, administrative and operational management skills, with the ability to coordinate competing priorities, support business operations and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, influence outcomes and work collaboratively across diverse teams and disciplines.

We are looking for someone who is curious, practical, collaborative and focused on delivering outcomes that make a meaningful difference to how the Legal Practice operates and supports its clients.

What you will do

As the Manager, Legal Practice Functions & Projects, you will:

- Lead projects that strengthen legal operations, systems and service delivery.




- Deliver business improvement initiatives across governance, knowledge management and capability.
- Develop project plans, manage risks and coordinate delivery of priority outcomes.
- Analyse data and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Build productive relationships across legal, corporate and operational teams.
- Prepare clear briefs, reports and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
- Support the development of practice-wide guidance, resources and governance frameworks.
- Contribute to team capability through coaching, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- As part of the PMU team, undertake day-to-day operational and administrative activities, from routine tasks to more complex work, that support the Legal Practice.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

Remote working arrangements may be negotiated for this position.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer adaptable work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Melbourne based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 500 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

You may use AI tools to support your application. However, all content must be accurate, authentic, and reflect your own capability in line with APS merit principles. For further guidance, please refer to the APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact [email protected] or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Christine Phoenix on (phone hidden) or via email on [email protected]

📌 Manager - Legal Practice Functions & Projects, Executive Level 1, Chief Counsel & Integrity (Canberra)
🏢 Department of Industry, Science, Energy u0026 Resources
📍 Canberra