Deputy Commissioner Investigations

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) seeks a strategic, influential leader to drive complex regulatory investigations within the Australian Trade Remedies Commission. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure timely and high-quality outcomes, and guide reform initiatives with integrity and fairness.

The role requires senior leadership in regulatory or investigative settings, exceptional judgement, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders across government, industry

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in regulatory, investigative, policy or operational environments.
• Experience directing complex investigations, reviews or regulatory processes.
• Proven ability to influence diverse stakeholders and provide strategic advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Investigations program, including anti-dumping and related investigations.
• Provide strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams and regulator reform efforts.
• Deliver timely, high-quality outcomes with integrity and procedural fairness.
• Advise the Commissioner and government on complex trade remedies and regulatory issues.

Skills

Senior leadership

Regulatory investigations

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Law/Economics/Accounting/Commerce/Public Policy degree

Job description

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 Australian Trade Remedies Commission is a best practice regulator and a leading international trade remedies authority. We exist to support the Australian economy by securing a level playing field for local industry by investigating and remedying unfair international trade practices including dumping, subsidies and import volume surges. The Commission delivers against the Minister’s Statement of Expectations to ensure a more timely, effective and accessible trade remedies system, and to contribute to a Future Made in Australia. The Commission is undergoing significant reform, including operating model improvements, legislative reform, capability uplift, and the establishment of a safeguards function. At the Commission, you can do meaningful work that has a real impact on Australian industry and the economy, while building specialist expertise in a supportive, flexible and values-driven environment with a united culture that values trust, safety and continuous improvement. We invest in our people, encourage continuous learning, and empower staff to shape the future of a modern, best-practice regulator.

Investigations branch

The Investigations Branch is responsible for delivering the Commission's core anti-dumping and countervailing functions by investigating allegations of unfair international trade practices and providing recommendations on appropriate remedies. The branch undertakes complex anti-dumping, countervailing and related trade remedies investigations, verifies information provided by Australian and overseas parties, conducts economic and financial analysis, and prepares advice and recommendations which are published on the Commission’s website. It works closely with Australian manufacturers, importers, exporters, foreign governments and legal representatives to ensure investigations are robust, evidence-based and consistent with Australia's legislative and international obligations. The branch manages a dynamic caseload of complex matters, including investigations, reviews and assessments, while driving continuous improvement in case management, technical capability and regulatory practice. Staff regularly undertake domestic and international verification activities, prepare high-quality reports and ministerial advice, and contribute to maintaining the Commission’s reputation as a leading international trade remedies authority.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate is a strategic and influential leader who can deliver complex regulatory outcomes in a high-profile environment. They will bring exceptional judgement, integrity and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change. They will analyse complex evidence, balance competing priorities and deliver timely, high-quality outcomes while upholding procedural fairness. As an authentic and collaborative executive, they will foster a positive culture and help shape the Commission’s reform agenda.

Experience

• Senior leadership experience in a regulatory, investigative, policy or operational environment, including oversight of complex investigations, reviews or regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing a large team, competing priorities, risk and performance.
• A track record of providing strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues and influencing diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading organisational change, capability uplift and continuous improvement.
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in law, economics, accounting, commerce, public policy or a related field are desirable.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong knowledge of regulatory investigations, administrative decision-making and risk management.
• Ability to analyse complex economic, commercial and evidentiary matters and exercise sound judgement.
• Highly developed strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across government, industry and international stakeholders.
• Knowledge of trade remedies, international trade, economics, law or a related regulatory field is highly desirable.
• Lead the Commission's investigations program, including anti-dumping and countervailing investigations.
• Provide strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams undertaking complex investigations, verification activities and evidence-based analysis.
• Lead and manage a large team, delivering through people by setting clear priorities, organising work and resources, motivating and recognising staff, and maintaining strong operational oversight to achieve timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Drive operational performance, case management excellence and continuous improvement across the investigations function.
• Ensure investigations are conducted with integrity, procedural fairness and technical rigour to maintain confidence in Australia's trade remedies system.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Commissioner, senior executives and government on complex trade remedies, regulatory and strategic issues.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with industry, government agencies, foreign governments and international stakeholders.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership, governance and ongoing reform of the Commission as a member of the executive leadership team.