Director, Capital Works

Australian Electoral Commission; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Electoral Commission seeks a Director Capital Works to lead a national property program, including office refurbishments and fit-outs, across the AEC’s footprint. You will steer capital planning, governance and investment priorities, while managing large budgets and complex procurement activities.

Based in the National Office, ACT, with potential out-posting to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. You will provide authoritative strategic guidance to senior executives and build strong

Qualifications

• Experience leading capital works, infrastructure or accommodation programs.
• Ability to provide strategic advice to senior executives on property, investment or project matters.
• Experience managing large project budgets with emphasis on value for money and public resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex capital works and accommodation programs across the national footprint.
• Oversee procurement and contract management within policy frameworks.
• Provide authoritative advice on capital planning, property strategy and governance to senior executives.
• Manage significant project budgets and stakeholder relationships to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Strategic direction

Executive advisory

Procurement & contracts

Budget management

Governance & risk

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

The Team

The National Property Team is responsible for managing the Australian Electoral Commission's national property portfolio and delivering accommodation solutions that support business operations across Australia. The team leads capital works planning and delivery, accommodation projects, office fit-outs, refurbishments and property-related investments to ensure AEC workplaces remain safe, functional and fit for purpose.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, the Department of Finance, contractors, consultants, landlords and other Commonwealth entities, the team provides strategic advice on property planning, infrastructure investment and asset management. Through effective stewardship of public resources, the team supports the AEC's operational readiness and long-term organisational objectives.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the AEC and contribute to work that has a direct impact on Australia's democratic processes.

As the Director Capital Works, you will lead a team responsible for delivering complex property projects, including office refurbishments, fit-outs, accommodation upgrades and office closure projects across the AEC's national footprint.

Working under broad direction, you will provide authoritative advice to senior executives on capital planning, property strategy, governance and investment priorities. You will lead complex procurement and contract management activities, oversee significant project budgets and build strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with legislative and policy requirements. This role offers the opportunity to influence nationally significant outcomes while supporting the continued improvement of the AEC's property and accommodation capability.

This role is based in the National Office, ACT. However, out-posting to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne may be considered.

To excel you’ll have:

We are seeking a motivated and capable professional who can demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience required to perform successfully in this role, including:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex capital works, infrastructure or accommodation programs, including setting strategic direction, managing competing priorities and delivering organisational outcomes.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior executives on property, infrastructure, investment or project-related matters.
• Experience managing significant project budgets and financial resources, with a focus on value for money and the effective stewardship of public resources.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex procurement and contract management activities within legislative and policy frameworks.
• Proven capacity to operate under broad direction, exercise sound judgement and establish governance, risk management and assurance frameworks that support organisational objectives, compliance and successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building capability, fostering collaboration and leading teams through complex and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to engage, negotiate and influence effectively and build productive relationships across government and with external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, sound judgement and integrity when delivering outcomes in complex and sensitive environments.

Desirable

• Experience delivering Commonwealth property, accommodation or capital works programs within Australian Government legislative, policy and governance frameworks.

Eligibility

• AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
• Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.

Closing date:

Sunday 11 October 2026 , 11:59PM AEDT

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Federal Government.

Our role is to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.