Head of Technical Operations (Health Sector Chief Information Security Officer)

About The Role

The Head of Technical Operations (Health Sector Chief Information Security Officer) provides senior technical leadership for Health Technology Services and is responsible for driving uplift in cyber maturity across the Victorian public health sector.

The role leads the development and implementation of the Health Sector Cyber Strategy, focusing on strengthening cyber resilience, capability, assurance and risk management across the health sector. The role is accountable for the integrity, resilience and security of Health Technology Services (HTS) technical environments and for ensuring technical practices, standards and operating models are fit for purpose at scale. The role applies deep technical expertise to guide high‑consequence decisions, manage complex risks and dependencies, and ensure technical solutions are sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities, regardless of internal structural arrangements.

The role provides authoritative technical advice to executives and sector stakeholders, leads major cyber and technical responses within HTS, and ensures HTS has the technical capability, capacity and maturity required to deliver secure, reliable digital services to the health sector.

About Us

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About You

Mandatory Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in information technology, cyber security, computer science, engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated senior‑level experience providing technical leadership in cyber security and/or large‑scale technical operations within complex, highly regulated environments, with accountability for system resilience, risk management and assurance.
• Demonstrated experience leading the development and implementation of cyber security strategies, frameworks or maturity uplift initiatives, including translating strategic intent into practical, scalable technical outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience acting as a technical authority on high‑risk or high‑consequence issues, providing expert advice that informs executive decision‑making and organisational or sector‑level outcomes.
  
  

Desirable Requirements

• Recognised senior‑level certification in cyber security or information security management (for example, CISSP, CISM, SABSA or equivalent).
• Certification or demonstrated experience aligned to service governance, risk or control frameworks (for example, COBIT or ITIL).
• Architecture or systems‑focused professional certification relevant to large‑scale, secure technology environments.
• Experience uplifting cyber maturity across multiple organisations, services or platforms, particularly within federated or shared‑services environments.
• Experience leading or governing technical functions responsible for critical digital services, including responsibility for availability, security, performance and resilience outcomes.
• Experience operating within government or health service environments, with strong understanding of governance, assurance, audit and risk management requirements.
• Experience managing senior technical specialists and multi‑disciplinary technical teams through influence, standards and professional leadership rather than hands‑on delivery.
• Experience responding to major cyber or technical incidents, including providing senior technical leadership during response, recovery and post‑incident improvement activities.
  
  

What We Offer

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
  
  

How To Apply

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at [email protected]. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email [email protected]. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.