Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations

The Department of Parliamentary Services; Canberra; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Free gym membership

Childcare (pending availability)

Dining options at APH

Job summary

Department of Parliamentary Services in Canberra is seeking an Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations to lead and hands-on manage the secure, reliable enterprise network services across the parliamentary network.

You will guide a technical team, set priorities, manage incidents, and work with vendors and internal stakeholders to deliver resilient networking, with a salary range currently listed as AU$123,114 to AU$140,567 per year.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, operating and supporting secure enterprise network services.
• Ability to lead and develop technical staff and manage priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Knowledge of security and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation and sustainment of secure enterprise network services.
• Coordinate incidents and changes; improve service availability.
• Develop network standards and documentation; support lifecycle activities.
• Assist with procurement and vendor management; manage risks and budgets.

Skills

Networking design

Incident leadership

Vendor management

Stakeholder comms

Automation mindset

Education

IT degree or certs

Job description

Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations

Company: Department of Parliamentary Services

Job Title:Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations

Employment Type:Ongoing/Non-Ongoing

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEST, 4 November 2026

Contact:Ian Kyle, 0455169040, [e-mail]

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting an Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations at the Parliamentary Executive Level 1 classification within the Cyber Security Branch.

The Information Services Division delivers ICT services to DPS staff and users of the parliamentary computing network and facilities. Within the Cyber Infrastructure, Networks & Security section, the Network Operations team is responsible for secure and reliable enterprise network services supporting the operations of the Australian Parliament including over 260 electorate offices and Commonwealth offices across Australia.

Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations

The Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for the secure, reliable and efficient operation and lifecycle management of parliamentary network services. You will lead and develop technical staff, set priorities, allocate resources and contribute directly to complex technical work when required.

You will provide authoritative technical advice, coordinate complex incidents and controlled changes, and drive improvements in network availability, performance, capacity, security and resilience. Working with business areas, ICT teams, vendors and service partners, you will support network projects, procurement and vendor management, manage operational and project risks, and translate complex technical matters into clear, evidence-based advice for senior stakeholders.

Alongside meaningful work in a unique environment, Parliament House offers a range of workplace benefits, including free car parking and free use of onsite facilities such as the gym, tennis courts and swimming pool.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced network professional who can combine technical expertise with strong leadership, sound judgement and a focus on delivering secure, reliable enterprise network services. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience designing, operating and supporting secure enterprise network services across routing and switching, LAN/WAN, gateways, firewalls, load balancing, wireless, SD-WAN, zero trust and cloud networking.
• Proven ability to lead the resolution of complex incidents and problems, assess technical and security risks, implement controlled changes and improve service availability, performance, capacity and resilience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical staff, set priorities, allocate resources and deliver operational and project outcomes while contributing directly to technical work when required.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information, negotiate practical outcomes and provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting procurement, commercial and vendor management activities, with an understanding of relevant Commonwealth security, procurement and accountability requirements.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, align technical decisions with organisational outcomes and drive continuous improvement, innovation and automation.
• Sound knowledge of relevant security and governance frameworks, including the Information Security Manual, Essential Eight and Protective Security Policy Framework.

Job Specific Requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications in information technology, engineering, project management or a related discipline, or relevant industry certifications, are desirable.
• Substantial experience supporting and managing network services in a complex enterprise environment.
• Relevant vendor, network, security, IT service management or project management certifications are desirable.
• The role may require participation in after-hours support, planned maintenance and incident response arrangements.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification:Parliamentary Executive Level 1

Branch: Cyber Security

Section: Network Security & Operations

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. The Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for the secure, reliable and efficient operation and lifecycle management of parliamentary network services. The role combines network engineering expertise with team leadership, service management, stakeholder engagement, commercial oversight and clear communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
2. The position supports LAN, WAN, gateway, firewall, load-balancing, wireless, software-defined networking, zero trust and cloud networking capabilities. It provides authoritative technical advice, coordinates incidents and changes, supports projects and procurement activities, and works with internal teams, vendors and service partners to achieve business outcomes.
3. As Assistant Director - Network Engineering and Operations, your key responsibilities will be:

a. Lead and contribute to the operation, engineering and sustainment of secure enterprise network services, including routing and switching, LAN/WAN, gateways, firewalls, load balancing, wireless, SD-WAN, zero trust and cloud connectivity.
b. Provide technical leadership for complex incidents, problems and changes; analyse performance, capacity, availability and security; and coordinate timely restoration and improvement of services
c. Lead, coach and coordinate technical staff, set clear priorities and expected outcomes, allocate work and resources, and build capability while remaining able to undertake hands-on technical work when required.
d. Support the planning and coordination of network projects and BAU lifecycle activities from design and procurement through transition, operation and disposal, ensuring milestones, dependencies, risks, budgets and benefits are actively managed.
e. Develop and maintain network standards, operating procedures, technical documentation, support models, disaster recovery arrangements and service continuity plans.
f. Apply relevant security and governance requirements, including the Information Security Manual, Essential Eight, Protective Security Policy Framework, Commonwealth Procurement Rules and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act.
g. Build productive relationships with business areas, ICT teams, vendors and service partners; translate complex technical matters into clear advice; and negotiate practical solutions that meet operational and strategic needs.
h. Support procurement and commercial activities, including development of requirements, evaluation of proposals, contract and vendor performance management, purchase orders, invoices and financial tracking.
i. Evaluate emerging technologies and architecture options, contribute to forward planning and investment decisions, and identify opportunities for automation, resilience, security and service improvement.
j. Prepare concise briefings, reports, risk assessments and recommendations for senior management and governance forums, and represent the section in operational, project and stakeholder meetings.

Selection Criteria

Technical expertise: Demonstrated experience designing, operating and supporting secure enterprise network services, with sound knowledge of routing and switching, LAN/WAN, gateways, firewalls, load balancing, wireless, SD-WAN, zero trust and cloud networking.

Operational judgement: Proven ability to lead the resolution of complex incidents and problems, assess technical and security risks, implement controlled changes, and improve service availability, performance, capacity and resilience.

Leadership and delivery: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical staff, set priorities, allocate resources and deliver operational and project outcomes while contributing directly to technical work when required.

Stakeholder engagement and communication: Demonstrated ability to build effective internal and external relationships, translate complex technical information for non-technical audiences, negotiate outcomes and provide clear, concise and evidence-based advice to senior stakeholders.

Commercial and governance capability: Experience supporting procurement, contract and vendor management with an understanding of relevant Commonwealth security, procurement and accountability frameworks.

Strategic thinking and improvement: Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, align technical decisions with organisational outcomes, develop practical policies and procedures, and drive continuous improvement, innovation and automation.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from ourservice offerings anddecision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose:to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protectour iconic workplace.

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available a APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Currently, the salary range for this position is $123,114 - $140,567 per annum.

Commencement salary could be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at the department are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship:Section 22 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 requires that employees of the Parliamentary Service are generally required to be Australian citizens. However, if you are not an Australian citizen you may be considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to termination of employment.
  
• Loss and resumption of Australian citizenship:Under historical provisions of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948(section 17), some Australian citizens automatically lost their citizenship if voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country between 26 January 1949 and 3 April 2002. This loss occurred by operation of law and may not have been known to the individual at the time. Although these provisions were repealed in 2002 to allow dual citizenship, the repeal did not restore citizenship that was previously lost. Individuals who believe they may be affected are recommended to seek advice about resuming their Australian citizenship. Further information, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website .
• Applicants who progress to the offer stage with our department who have been affected by the loss of citizenship as outlined above will be required to demonstrate within a reasonable time that they have resumed, or are actively undertaking the process to resume, Australian citizenship.
  
• Security clearance and character clearance:the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
  
• Health assessment:a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.
  
• External Work Approval: Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.

Department of Parliamentary Services acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.