Head of Digital

Victorian Ports Corporation; Geelong; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Job summary

Ports Victoria is seeking an experienced digital and technology executive to lead enterprise-wide transformation across IT, OT and cyber security in a critical infrastructure environment. The role reports to the Chief Strategy & Development Officer and shapes the organisation's digital and data strategy while guiding strategic technology investments.

The successful candidate will drive modernisation, governance and innovation, engaging with government, industry stakeholders and boards to ensure

Qualifications

• Significant executive leadership experience in technology, digital transformation, cyber security or enterprise tech functions.
• Proven success leading large-scale technology and organisational transformation programs.
• Strong expertise across IT and OT environments, cloud technologies and data platforms.
• Experience governing major technology investments, strategic programs and complex vendor relationships.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability, including advising executive and board-level audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Ports Victoria's digital, data and technology strategy.
• Provide trusted advice to the CEO, ELT and Board on technology, cyber security and digital investment.
• Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation programs and technology modernisation initiatives.
• Champion innovation and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI and cloud platforms.
• Lead the development of enterprise data, reporting and analytics capability.
• Promote integrated technology platforms supporting regulatory and strategic outcomes.

Skills

Executive leadership

Digital transformation

Cyber security

IT/OT governance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for digital change, influence, connection and collaboration withh in a complex 24/7 operation? Ports Victoria is seeking a strategic and influential leader to establish and lead our Digital (Information Technology, Operational Technology and Digital Projects) function. This newly created executive role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital technologies within the maritime operations across Victoria's commercial ports.

About Ports Victoria

Ports Victoria (PV) is the State's port safety regulator and provides key maritime advice to government. We oversee vessel traffic for nearly 10,000 commercial ship movements annually, set standards for safe navigation through Victoria's commercial port waters, manage shipping channels that connect the state to the world, and operate Victoria’s cruise ship terminal.
The commercial port eco-system underpins Victoria's economy. More than 98 per cent of the state's international trade moves by sea, supporting over 88,000 jobs and $111 billion in annual trade value. Victoria’s freight trade task is projected to more than double in future decades. We provide government with the expertise and advice needed to plan for that future.
Ports Victoria is an equal opportunities employer and embraces the benefits that diversity in our workplace brings.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Strategy & Development Officer, the Head of Digital is a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for leading Ports Victoria's digital, technology, data and cyber security functions. The role provides strategic advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board while driving digital transformation initiatives that strengthen organisational performance, cyber resilience, innovation and operational capability.

This role will lead both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, ensuring technology solutions are secure, reliable and aligned with organisational priorities. You will oversee major technology investments, drive digital innovation and position data as a strategic asset to support informed decision-making and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

Develop and deliver Ports Victoria's enterprise digital, data and technology strategy.

Provide trusted advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board on technology, cyber security and digital investment.

Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation programs and technology modernisation initiatives.

Champion innovation and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, cloud platforms and advanced analytics.

Technology & Cyber Security Leadership

Lead all IT and OT services, infrastructure, networks, applications and digital service delivery functions.

Strengthen cyber security capability, resilience and governance across the organisation.

Ensure technology environments are secure, scalable and reliable.

Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery planning and technology risk management.

Lead the development of enterprise data, reporting and analytics capability.

Promote integrated technology platforms that support operational, regulatory and strategic outcomes.

Leverage data-driven insights to improve organisational performance and decision-making.

Drive innovative digital solutions that enhance safety, efficiency and service delivery.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Lead and develop a high-performing team of digital, technology and cyber security professionals.

Build strong partnerships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, technology vendors and service providers.

Represent Ports Victoria in digital, maritime and technology forums.

Foster a collaborative, customer-focused and innovative culture.

About You

Are you an experienced digital and technology executive ready to lead enterprise-wide transformation in a critical infrastructure environment? Ports Victoria is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to shape and deliver our digital, data, cyber security and technology vision, ensuring our technology platforms support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of Victoria's commercial ports.

You will bring:

Significant executive leadership experience within technology, digital transformation, cyber security or enterprise technology functions.

Demonstrated success leading large-scale technology and organisational transformation initiatives.

Strong expertise across IT and OT environments, enterprise architecture, cloud technologies, cyber security and data platforms.

Experience governing major technology investments, strategic programs and complex vendor relationships.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability, including advising executive and board-level audiences.

Strong commercial, financial and strategic planning skills.

A collaborative leadership style with demonstrated success building high-performing teams and developing capability.

Experience within critical infrastructure, transport, logistics, maritime, government or other highly regulated environments.

Experience leading technology modernisation and legacy systems transformation.

Postgraduate qualifications in technology, business, leadership or a related field.

Experience leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven solutions to improve organisational performance and customer outcomes.

Why Join Ports Victoria?

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of digital capability across a critical Victorian infrastructure organisation. You will lead strategic transformation initiatives, strengthen cyber resilience, modernise technology platforms and help shape how technology enables the future of Victoria's maritime network.

Location and Travel

This role operates across Melbourne and Geelong and will require occasional travel to operational locations including Hastings and Portland. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available where operational requirements permit. Engagement with operational teams and stakeholders outside standard business hours may occasionally be required.

More information can be sought from ************@ports.vic.gov.au

Employment with Ports Victoria is subject to satisfactory background checks, including professional references and a character check. Employment may be offered conditional to successful achievement of checks.

Ports Victoria is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.