Head of Maritime Service Delivery in Geelong

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for safety, service excellence and leading complex 24/7 operations? Ports Victoria is seeking a strategic and influential leader to establish and lead our statewide Maritime Service Delivery function. This newly created executive role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of maritime operations across Victoria's commercial ports.

About Ports Victoria

Ports Victoria (PV) is the State's port safety regulator and provides key maritime advice to government. We oversee vessel traffic for nearly 10,000 commercial ship movements annually, set standards for safe navigation through Victoria's commercial port waters, manage shipping channels that connect the state to the world, and operate Victoria’s cruise ship terminal. The commercial port eco-system underpins Victoria's economy. More than 98 per cent of the state's international trade moves by sea, supporting over 88,000 jobs and $111 billion in annual trade value. Victoria’s freight trade task is projected to more than double in future decades. We provide government with the expertise and advice needed to plan for that future. Ports Victoria is an equal opportunities employer and embraces the benefits that diversity in our workplace brings.

About the Role

As a Senior Executive, the newly created role of Head of Maritime Service Delivery will provide strategic and operational leadership for Ports Victoria's statewide maritime service delivery function. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role is responsible for ensuring vessel traffic services, harbour coordination, vessel scheduling, port admission processes, incident coordination and operational information operate as a safe, reliable and integrated system.

You will lead the development of consistent operating procedures, service standards, workforce capability and operational governance arrangements while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across multiple locations and shift-based teams. As Ports Victoria moves through a period of change, this successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape not only their role but that of their future team through consultation and engagement with current and future employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a safe, reliable and integrated statewide Maritime Service Delivery function.
• Drive operational governance, risk management, business continuity and service resilience.
• Provide leadership for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Harbour Coordination operations.
• Act as senior business owner for Port Management Information System (PMIS) operational requirements and performance.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team and build organisational capability.
• Foster strong relationships with Harbour Masters, regulators, port operators, emergency services and industry stakeholders.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement and operational transformation opportunities.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and service excellence.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within maritime, ports, transport, logistics, emergency management, operational control centres or another safety-critical environment.
• Proven experience managing complex operational services across multiple locations and/or 24/7 operating environments.
• Strong expertise in operational governance, risk management, incident management and service continuity.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational or operational transformation while maintaining service reliability.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Strong people leadership capability, including workforce planning, capability development and performance leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to provide clear advice and recommendations on complex operational matters.
• Maritime operations, port operations or large-scale logistics and leadership experience would be advantageous.
• Relevant qualifications in maritime operations, transport, logistics, emergency management, business or a related discipline.

Why Join Ports Victoria?

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime service delivery across Victoria. You will influence statewide operational outcomes, lead critical transformation initiatives and contribute to the safety and efficiency of one of Victoria's most important sectors.

Location and Travel

The role is primarily based across Melbourne and Geelong (Head Office) and will require regular travel to operational locations including Hastings and Portland. Participation in on-call and incident response arrangements supporting 24/7 operations is required. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available where operational requirements permit.

Employment with Ports Victoria is subject to satisfactory background checks, including professional references and a character check. Employment may be offered conditional to successful achievement of checks. Ports Victoria is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed.