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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

For the Recruitment of the

Deputy Director, Corporate Operations

Department of Justice

Applications close 13th March 2026

About Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ)

Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) operates specialised Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry functions that support the criminal justice and coronial systems in Queensland.

Forensic Chemistry provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of (i) illicit drug analysis, which involves the analysis of both known and emerging novel drugs, (ii) clandestine drug laboratory investigation, which involves both attendance at crime scenes, and analysis of exhibits to provide expert opinion to the courts, and (iii) trace evidence examinations, which cover oil spill investigations, lubricant analysis, explosives, and fibres, which are often associated with serious crimes such as sexual assault and murder. Our chemists provide expert impartial scientific advice though the provision of formal statements and evidence in court.

Forensic Biology provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of evidence recovery, DNA analysis and result interpretation culminating in expert advice and evidence. In general, the Evidence Recovery team conducts examinations of exhibits, biological material screening and recovery of samples for further testing, the Analytical Team conducts DNA analysis, including interpretation of samples submitted, and the Reporting Team conducts DNA interpretation, statistical interpretation and the development of statements for court, including giving evidence in court.

The Case Review Team has been established to coordinate and triage the review of certain categories of DNA samples to determine whether further testing could provide valuable evidence to Queensland’s criminal justice system.

Our work at FSQ involves exposure to material related to deaths and criminal offences that may be confronting, due to its graphic and personal nature. Sensitive and professional management of exhibits and information is a critical requirement of this role. The successful candidate will have personal qualities that include well developed resilience, tact and effective strategies for managing themselves and their ability to support colleagues in situations that may be distressing and stressful.

About the role

The position of Deputy Director Corporate Operations (DDCO) oversees a diverse portfolio of multi-disciplinary divisions, including Corporate Operations, Business Services, Contracts and Procurement, IT Management, Quality and Compliance, HR Operations and Projects, Culture and Wellbeing, Records Management, Workplace Health and Safety, Research and Innovation, and Forensic Exhibit Management.

The role is responsible for driving organisational performance through effective frontline service delivery, workforce and business management, corporate governance and strategy, and policy support directly enabling FSQ’s priorities and objectives.

The Deputy Director Corporate Operations (DDCO) provides executive leadership and strategic direction across FSQ’s corporate, business, and workforce functions. The role underpins the delivery of high-quality forensic services by ensuring FSQ has robust and contemporary frameworks, systems, policies, and initiatives in place across corporate operations, business services, finance, risk and governance, IT management, HR operations, culture and wellbeing, and related support functions. These foundations enable and empower FSQ staff to perform their roles effectively and contribute to the organisation’s overall performance and service excellence.

Key responsibilities of the role

  • Provide executive leadership and strategic direction to Forensic Science Queensland.
  • Provide expert advice, analysis and strategic direction to the FSQ Director and leadership team on a range of matters relevant to IT, infrastructure, HR, finance, strategy and governance, communications, and policy functions for FSQ.
  • Provide leadership, sponsorship and oversight for projects of significant scale and strategic importance across FSQ, including Machinery of Government transition, IT initiatives, organisational design and change management, and large infrastructure developments.
  • Navigate the complexities of being an independent statutory authority within the Department of Justice and broader justice system, and ensure appropriate governance and accountability frameworks are established, monitored and reviewed.
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of a range of corporate and frontline functions, with accountability for the effective management and performance of the following services:
    • Business Services
    • Contracts and Procurement
    • IT Service Delivery
    • Innovation
    • Human Resources
    • Culture and Wellbeing
    • Workplace Health and Safety
    • Learning and Development
    • Records
    • Quality and Compliance
    • Forensic Exhibit Management
  • Lead strategic and business planning, identifying risks and opportunities, and the resources required to support strategic and operational objectives.
  • Lead, maintain and monitor performance, continued improvement and compliance against FSQ’s strategic and operational plans in collaboration with the Deputy Director Forensic Operations.
  • Provide executive leadership through expert short and long-term strategy development, advice and coaching whilst demonstrating foresight, conceptual capability and organisational awareness to actively drive continuous improvement.
  • Ensure strategic budget management and maximise efficient use of available resources, in accordance with policy and whole-of-government requirements and aligned to the values of the Queensland Public Service.
  • Lead and drive the development and implementation of an organisational culture across FSQ that promotes employee wellbeing, ethical and compliant decision making, continuous improvement, accountability, and psychosocial safety and best practice.
  • Build and maintain effective partnerships and consultative working relationships with the department, stakeholders across industry, academia and government to influence and secure commitment to FSQ’s vision to develop and deliver world class facilities, systems and processes.
  • Foster positive and collaborative staff/union relationships by championing a high performing, values-driven, safety conscious workplace culture where people are rewarded and recognised for their contributions, treated fairly, respectfully, inclusively and with dignity.

How To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to review the Role Description and the links providing further information about the department to assist with understanding the recruitment and selection process.

To be considered for this role please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:

  • Your resume (3 – 4 pages recommended).
  • A short-written response (maximum 2 pages) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key responsibilities and meet the skill requirements of the role.

For confidential enquiries please contact:

Justine Eden, Director, Eden Ritchie Recruitment

0412 156 930 or fsq@edenritchie.com.au 

Applications close 13th March 2026