Senior Business Project Manager

Where good people grow great futures 

At Dairy Australia, we believe in growing great futures - that includes yours. Here, you'll contribute to something bigger: the livelihood of farmers, the sustainability of communities in dairy regions and the future of one of Australia's most vital industries. 

Working alongside people whose knowledge and passion run deep, you’ll love being part of a team where flexibility matters and support comes in abundance. What’s more, we’re as invested in your growth as we are in the industry's future. 

Whether you’re new to the industry or bring years of experience to the table, if you’re after work that’s practical, challenging and deeply connected to real outcomes, you’ll find it at Dairy Australia.  To learn more, watch the video below.

Your opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our PMO (on a Fixed Term 2 year contract) and lead some of our most strategically significant projects. This is an opportunity to apply your project leadership expertise in an organisation where success isn't measured by profit, but by the difference we make for the dairy industry and the people who rely on it.

Reporting to the Head of Projects & Delivery, manage complex, high-value projects that support Dairy Australia's strategic priorities.

Working closely with subject matter experts, business leaders, researchers and external stakeholders, you'll oversee projects from initiation through to evaluation and closure. These projects span research, development, innovation and industry improvement initiatives, often involving significant budgets, multiple stakeholders and long-term industry outcomes.

You'll typically manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing competing priorities while ensuring strong governance, stakeholder engagement and successful delivery.

This role also provides leadership within the PMO, with three direct reports and the opportunity to act as a trusted deputy and strategic sounding board to the Head of Projects & Delivery.

About you

You're an experienced project manager who brings sound judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complexity.

You know how to build credibility with senior stakeholders, influence outcomes and maintain momentum across multiple initiatives. You're equally comfortable leading people, challenging thinking constructively and rolling up your sleeves to ensure delivery success.

Importantly, you're motivated by purpose and impact. You'll enjoy working in an environment where projects focus on research, innovation, industry development and creating value for Australian dairy farmers.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience managing complex, cross-functional projects or programs
• Experience leading and developing project management professionals
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities
• Well-developed governance, reporting and risk management experience
• The ability to manage competing priorities across a diverse project portfolio
• Experience working in research, agriculture, government, industry development, consulting, science, sustainability or other complex stakeholder environments
• Project management qualifications such as PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile, Six Sigma or similar

What will set you apart

• Experience leading projects involving research, innovation, grants, industry development or multi-stakeholder programs
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to contribute beyond project delivery
• A collaborative leadership approach focused on coaching, mentoring and capability building

Please note: This role is focused on business, research and industry development projects. We are seeking experience delivering complex stakeholder, research, innovation or transformation initiatives rather than technical IT systems implementation projects.

Why Dairy Australia? 

Are you someone who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen? At Dairy Australia, you’ll fit right in. 

Here, you’ll be surrounded by good people who are genuine, down to earth and as driven as you. Our people care – about the work, each other and doing what’s right for the industry. You’ll see this every day, whether you work in our Melbourne office or in any of our eight dairy regions across Australia. 

We believe your best work happens when you're supported to thrive. That's why we focus on creating the right environment for you to make a meaningful impact while maintaining a genuine work-life balance. 

What does this mean for you? 

• Flexibility that works: Find a better balance with hybrid working across our Southbank office and your home office. Structure your work around what needs to get done - because we know your best work happens when life is in balance. 
• Where good people grow: You'll be part of a close-knit, high-performing team of grounded changemakers, where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is actively encouraged.  
• Culture of innovation and care: Here at Dairy Australia, we’re open to each other’s ideas, we operate with integrity, and we're driven to find the best solutions for our employees and stakeholders - because we’re all united by a common purpose.  

Join us and help build great futures 

If your motivations and skillset align with what you’ve read, please apply with your CV and Cover Letter. 

Please note: As part of Dairy Australia’s recruitment process, you may be required to undergo a National Police Check and provide evidence of your right to work in Australia.