Executive Director, Technology and Transformation

Department of Treasury and Finance; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Treasury and Finance in South Australia seeks an executive leader to set the strategic direction for technology, digital transformation and AI across government, and to lead the Digital Investment Fund. You will guide investments, governance and benefits realisation, while providing authoritative advice to senior leaders and boards.

The role focuses on connecting capability, investment, security and service delivery to improve outcomes for the community and strengthen public sector

Qualifications

• Leads with judgment, credibility and commercial acumen across complex organisations.
• Translates strategy into disciplined delivery and lasting outcomes.
• Understands business cases, procurement, assurance and benefits realisation.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and business improvement.
• Lead the Digital Investment Fund, strengthening investment priorities, governance, value for money and benefits realisation.
• Guide the responsible adoption of AI through governance, oversight and accountability.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Treasurer, Cabinet and senior government leaders.
• Connect technology, capability, investment with stronger security, productivity and service delivery.
• Build high-performing teams and partnerships within the department and across government and industry.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Digital transformation

Investment governance

AI governance

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

• Lead government-wide investment decisions that deliver digital and technology transformation
• Shape major investments and turn ambition into measurable results
• Bring strong policy and commercial judgement to decisions shaping South Australia

Who We Are

At the Department of Treasury and Finance, we’re building a world-class Treasury for South Australia. It’s about the people and the impact we create together. We’re South Australia’s lead agency for economic, digital and financial policy outcomes. Our work touches every corner of the state, from enabling frontline services to driving digital transformation. And we do it all with one purpose: to make life better for the people who call South Australia home.

Why This Role Matters

Technology is changing how government delivers services, manages risk and invests for the future. Your leadership will help ensure South Australia’s technology investments deliver lasting value, strengthen public sector capability and improve outcomes for the community.

What You Will Do

• Set strategic direction for technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and business improvement.
• Lead the Digital Investment Fund, strengthening investment priorities, governance, value for money and benefits realisation.
• Guide the responsible adoption of AI through clear governance, oversight and accountability.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Treasurer, Cabinet and senior government leaders.
• Connect technology, capability, investment with stronger security, productivity and service delivery.
• Build high-performing teams and partnerships within the department and across government and industry.

Remuneration: SAES 2 - Executive Classification - Fixed term contract

What You Bring

• Brings the judgement, credibility and commercial acumen to operate across complex organisations
• Has led significant technology, digital transformation, investment or organisational improvement portfolios
• Translates strategy into clear priorities, disciplined delivery and lasting outcomes
• Understands business cases, procurement, assurance, investment governance and benefits realisation
• Makes complex issues clear and supports sound decisions by boards, executives, government leaders and technical specialists
• Builds trusted relationships, sets clear expectations and creates the conditions for people to perform at their best.

Experience within the South Australian public sector would be valuable, but it is not essential. We welcome executive leaders from commerce, industry, technology and other large, complex organisations who can bring relevant experience and a fresh perspective.

The Impact

The decisions made in this role will influence how government invests in technology, adopts emerging capabilities such as artificial intelligence and delivers services to South Australians. You will help shape the systems, capabilities and investment priorities that support government for years to come. Working at the centre of government decision-making, you will have the opportunity to create lasting value for the public sector and the community it serves.

If you can connect ambition with delivery, apply commercial discipline to complex investment and help shape South Australia's digital future, we invite you to apply.

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. If you have accessibility needs or would like us to make any adjustments at any stage of the process — such as receiving interview questions in advance, flexible interview formats, or accessing materials in alternative formats — please let us know. We’re happy to work with you to understand what will help you perform at your best.

Aboriginal Employment Program

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in building a career at DTF or across the broader South Australian public sector. Applicants may also choose to join the SA Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Register. Joining the register is optional and provides access to additional support and employment opportunities across the SA public sector.