Manager, Risk and Intelligence

Department of Education; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

VECRA is seeking a Manager, Risk and Intelligence in Melbourne to lead regulatory intelligence and shape risk-based regulation across Victoria's early childhood sector. You will design intelligence frameworks, operate models, systems and quality assurance, delivering timely insights to support regulatory outcomes.

You will lead a high-performing team, develop capabilities, and partner with VECRA and other agencies to inform strategic decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in intelligence analysis or related field would be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing intelligence functions, preferably within a regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated high‑level analytical skills, including interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to inform decisions.
• Experience providing authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior leaders, including briefs, reports and submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage VECRA's regulatory intelligence function and team.
• Design, implement and continuously improve intelligence frameworks, operating models, systems and QA arrangements.
• Provide tailored intelligence products and advice to senior executives to support regulatory objectives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with VECRA, the Department and stakeholders to enable timely information sharing.
• Manage competing priorities in a sensitive and fast-paced regulatory environment.

Skills

Intelligence analysis

Regulatory leadership

Data interpretation

Briefing senior leaders

Education

Tertiary qualification in intelligence analysis

Job description

About the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA)The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating early childhood education and care services in Victoria. VECRA works to ensure the safety, wellbeing and development of children through effective regulation, compliance, quality assessment and continuous improvement across the early childhood education and care sector.VECRA plays a critical system management role, providing guidance, oversight and assurance to the sector while supporting high-quality early childhood education outcomes for Victorian children and families.About the BranchThe Licensing and Intelligence Branch comprises of three specialist regulatory teams with responsibility for VECRA's licensing and approvals functions, as well as the intelligence function. The branch facilitates risk-based regulation through the analysis of risk intelligence and provides expert regulatory advice, strategic direction, and leadership on a broad range of regulatory issues and complex compliance and enforcement matters.Risk and Intelligence Team - The risk and intelligence team is responsible for strategic and operational intelligence frameworks, insights, systems, products and practices that support proactive, risk-based regulation of Victoria's early childhood sector. The team undertakes research and analysis of data, information and intelligence and develops tools and processes to inform regulatory priorities and risk-based compliance and enforcement.The team also works with Victorian Public Sector agencies and departments, co-regulators and stakeholders including state and national intelligence counterparts, to enable timely and collaborative information and intelligence sharing to inform both operational and strategic decision-making.About the RoleAs Manager, Risk and Intelligence you will lead a team to deliver the regulatory intelligence function for VECRA, including the design, implementation and continuous improvement of intelligence frameworks, operating models, systems, processes and quality assurance arrangements that support proactive, risk-based regulation. You will use your strategic influence, collaborative approach and sound advice to integrate intelligence practices into day to day operations within VECRA.You will build, lead and manage a high-performing team by modelling organisational values and behaviours integral to good people management, supporting individuals to achieve their potential, including developing team members' capabilities to resolve complex issues.As a trusted leader with technical expertise, the Manager will provide authoritative strategic, operational and tactical intelligence advice and tailored products to senior executives to support regulatory objectives and operational delivery.The Manager, Risk and Intelligence will build and maintain effective working relationships with VECRA and departmental colleagues, other Victorian Public Sector agencies, co-regulators and stakeholders including state and national intelligence counterparts, to enable timely and collaborative information and intelligence sharing to inform both operational and strategic decision-making.The role requires a proactive and collaborative individual who can effectively manage competing priorities in a sensitive and fast-paced operating environment.The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent people management skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a focus on quality and timeliness.AttributesThe Manager, Risk and Intelligence role requires sound experience in, and understanding of, intelligence practices within a regulatory context. The successful candidate will have a collaborative leadership approach and ability to deliver competing strategic and operational priorities within a complex and sensitive environment. This role also involves advocating for VECRA interests, providing expert advice, and fostering productive collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.Qualifications and ExperienceRelevant tertiary qualification in intelligence analysis, political relations, public administration, or related field would be highly regarded.Demonstrated experience leading and managing intelligence functions, preferably within a regulatory environment.Demonstrated high-level analytical skills, including the ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data and translate it into actionable intelligence, preferably within a regulatory or enforcement environment.Demonstrated experience providing authoritative, evidence‑based advice to senior leaders, including the preparation of complex, high‑impact briefs, reports and submissions to inform and influence decision‑making.Essential: A valid Working with Children CheckFurther InformationApplicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.VECRA values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for VECRA, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the VECRA website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.Information about VECRA's operations and employment conditions can be located on the VECRA website.For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Ashleigh Jones, Director Licensing and Intelligence via [e-mail] applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to VECRA will be treated in the strictest confidence.Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.Applications close 11:59pm on 16 November 2026.