• Salary: $142,790 – $191,084 plus superannuation
• Ongoing role
• Usual hours of work: Full Time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)

The Role

As Principal Adviser within In-House Professional Services, you will provide expert strategic and operational advice while helping shape the Department's internal consulting function. Working closely with the In-House leadership team, you will lead financial planning, budget development, cost recovery and pipeline management, providing evidence-based advice that supports Executive Board decision-making. You will also drive improvements to the branch's operating model, business planning, financial management systems and consulting tools, while supporting strategy development, project delivery, communications and capability uplift. This role is suited to a collaborative and organised professional with strong financial acumen, sound judgement and the ability to turn strategic ideas into practical solutions that deliver high-impact outcomes.

Main Accountabilities

• Identify and respond to emerging strategic issues impacting the branch's operating environment.
• Contribute to strategic corporate initiatives and lead their successful implementation.
• Develop high-quality briefs on complex issues that provide clear options for organisational decision-making.
• Lead negotiations with internal and external stakeholders to secure commitment and deliver projects within agreed timeframes.
• Develop service delivery models that align with business plans and strategic objectives.

The Team

The position of Principal Adviser forms part of the In-House Professional Services Branch within the Economic Policy, Programs and Services Group.

Economic Policy, Programs and Services supports sustainable economic development and employment growth across Victoria through leadership in policy, research, project delivery and evaluation. Within the Executive Director's office, In-House Professional Services delivers internal consulting services that combine the expertise and efficiency of consulting with the knowledge and networks of the Victorian Public Service, partnering across the Department to solve complex policy, program and data challenges.

About You

You will bring strong business and commercial acumen, using financial insight to drive value, improve efficiency and support sound strategic decision-making. You will have demonstrated experience translating strategic priorities into operational plans while building capability across teams. Your experience delivering complex projects will enable you to engage senior stakeholders, balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes. Experience working in a management consulting or in-house consulting environment is highly regarded.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Caitlyn Hammond, Executive Director, In-House Professional Services at caitlyn.n.hammond@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.

For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.

How to Apply

Please click the 'Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 22 July 2026