The Role - Chief Operating Officer (SES Band 1) The Chief Operating Officer is a key member of the Court’s senior management team.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and Principal Registrar, the Chief Operating Officer plays a significant role in the administration of the Court by leading and managing corporate services functions.

The Chief Operating Officer leads the provision of enabling services to the Court, provides strategic, operational and technical advice, and is responsible for driving continuous improvement to the administration of the Court.

The key duties of the position include: 1. Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Corporate Services Branch, encompassing finance and procurement; ICT and cyber security; human resources and work health and safely, safety; governance, risk and audit; property and accommodation; security; and heritage management.

2. Ensure the integrated, efficient and resilient delivery of corporate services, establishing priorities, allocating resources and driving improvement and change to meet the Court’s current and future operational requirements.

3. Provide authoritative advice to the Chief Executive & Principal Registrar (CE≺), Court Executive Group and, as appropriate, the Chief Justice and Justices on corporate priorities, emerging issues, organisational risks and opportunities.

4. Maintain effective stewardship and oversight of the Court’s corporate operations, including financial management, governance, enterprise risk, business continuity and the responsible use of public resources.

5. Contribute to the leadership of the Court administration and strengthening organisational capability, ensuring the Corporate Services Branch has the people, systems and relationships required to support the Court effectively, and representing the High Court across government and externally.





Branch overview The Corporate Services Branch provides a high standard of support and advice to the Court on Finance, Human Resources, Work Health and Safety, Records Management, Risk and Governance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Security and Building Operations functions which support the operation of the Court.

Each of these key supporting areas of the Court play a pivotal role, ensuring all employees of the Court are able to successfully undertake the duties of their role within a safe, secure and suitable environment.

Eligibility To be eligible for employment at the Court candidates must be Australian citizens.

Candidates offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a police record check. The successful candidate will be required to submit a pre-employment medical declaration. Candidates must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.

Successful applicants engaged by the Court will be subject to a probation period.

Selection criteria 1. Shapes strategic thinking

Ability to anticipate organisational needs and emerging opportunities and translate the Court’s priorities into clear corporate strategies and direction.

2. Achieves results

A strong record of leading the delivery of enabling services, achieving organisational outcomes and implementing improvement and change while maintaining effective and resilient services.

3. Leads people and builds productive relationships

Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams,



build organisational capability and foster trusted and collaborative relationships across the Court and with key stakeholders.

4. Demonstrates judgement, integrity and accountability

Sound judgement, discretion and integrity in managing corporate responsibilities, supported by a strong understanding of governance, risk, accountability and organisational stewardship.

5. Communicates with influence

Highly developed communication skills, including providing clear and authoritative advice, communicating effectively on sensitive matters and representing the High Court with credibility.

Qualifications and experience Mandatory

This is a designated NV1 security clearance position.

Highly Desirable

Tertiary or qualified qualifications in business, commerce, law or related disciplines.

Substantial senior leadership experience in the delivery of corporate or enabling services in comparable organisations.

Notes About the High Court of Australia

The High Court of Australia (the Court) is the highest court in the Australian judicial system.

The seat of the Court is in Canberra, where it is located in its own building within the National Triangle. The Court also has locations in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, as well as sitting on circuit around Australia as required.

Opened in 1980, the High Court building is one of Australia’s National Buildings, and was heritage listed in 2007.

The Court has approximately 75 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees supporting the Chief Justice and Justices, most of whom are in Canberra.

As an employee of the Court, you will:

work in a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative environment

receive a generous salary and work conditions

have access to flexible working arrangements.

Applications close Tuesday, 01 December 2026, 1159pm AEDT

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📌 Chief Operating Officer (Yarralumla)
🏢 High Court of Australia
📍 Yarralumla