Assistant Director - Strategy & Service Design

Chandler Macleod; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 96,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASAP start

12-month assignment

Multiple locations across AU

Job summary

Chandler Macleod in Australia is seeking an experienced Design Strategist to lead strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives within a Federal Government agency. You will apply human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to shape future service delivery and ensure meaningful improvements for participants and staff.

This 12-month assignment offers an ASAP start across multiple locations including Geelong VIC, Richmond VIC, Surry Hills NSW,

Qualifications

• Experience in strategy, service design, transformation or organisational improvement within a complex environment.
• Ability to translate insights into practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience applying human-centred design, systems thinking, research and analysis.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills with the ability to influence across groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for senior leaders.
• Capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and delivering meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives.
• Work in cross-functional teams to scope complex problems and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Apply human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to develop practical solutions.
• Conduct research and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative insights for decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape future services, pathways, policies and operating models.
• Prepare briefs, presentations, business cases and senior-leader recommendations.
• Support planning and implementation of transformation initiatives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and trends impacting service delivery.

Skills

Strategy experience

Service design

Transformation

Policy improvement

Stakeholder engagement

Communication (written)

Communication (verbal)

Analytical thinking

Flexible / fast-paced

Job description

About the company:

This Federal Government agency works to deliver programs and services that support people with disability and their families, aiming to improve access, engagement, and outcomes across Australia. The agency collaborates closely with communities, service providers, and government stakeholders to implement initiatives that enhance social inclusion, wellbeing, and equity.

About the Team

The Strategy and Initiatives Team sits within the Pathway and Digital Transformation Branch and plays a key role in shaping future services, experiences and organisational improvements across the Agency. The team works across business areas to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges and support transformational initiatives that improve outcomes for participants, employees and stakeholders. Through strategic thinking, service design, research and collaboration, the team helps ensure the Agency's priorities are translated into practical and meaningful improvements.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Strategist to lead and contribute to strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives. Working in a complex and evolving environment, you will use human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to help solve complex problems, develop evidence-based recommendations and shape future service delivery approaches. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate across the Agency, influence decision-making and contribute to initiatives that improve participant and staff experiences while delivering lasting organisational value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives.
• Work in cross-functional teams to scope complex problems, understand user and operational needs, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Apply human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to develop practical solutions and recommendations.
• Conduct research and analysis, synthesising qualitative and quantitative insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Agency to shape future services, pathways, policies and operating models.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, presentations, business cases and recommendations for senior leaders.
• Support the planning, development and implementation of transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and emerging trends that may impact future service delivery and organisational priorities.

You Must Have

• Experience in strategy, service design, transformation, policy, innovation or organisational improvement within a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and translate insights into practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience applying human-centred design, systems thinking, research and analytical methodologies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare documentation and presentations for senior leaders.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear insights.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and delivering meaningful outcomes.

Benefits:

• ASAP start (pending Federal Police Clearance)
• 12- Month assignment with potential extension
• Location: Geelong VIC, Richmond VIC, Surry Hills NSW, Brisbane QLD, Deakin ACT, Adelaide SA, or Perth WA
• $602.55 Daily + Super

Chandler Macleod is an equal opportunity employer as part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disability and culturally and linguistics candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Please note the successful candidate for the role must hold Australian Citizenship.

Application closes on the 25th November 2026