Lead a unique business. Drive performance. Shape the future.Smartship Australia is entering an exciting new phase, with a renewed focus on performance, governance, business sustainability and long-term growth.

Maritime Safety Queensland is seeking an experienced and commercially minded leader to guide Smartship Australia through its next stage of maturity. This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly specialised operation with a strong reputation, a unique service offering and an important role in supporting maritime capability and safety. Reporting to the Executive Director, Port Operations and Vessel Traffic Services, you will lead the strategic direction and overall performance of Smartship Australia. You will work across operations, governance, financial management, stakeholder relationships and workforce leadership to ensure the business is positioned for sustainable success.

Job details

About the opportunity
As Director, you will lead a specialised business that supports maritime training, simulation and port development outcomes for Queensland and the broader maritime industry.

The role has been intentionally redesigned to strengthen strategic leadership, commercial sustainability, governance, organisational performance and workforce capability.

You will have the opportunity to:
• shape the future direction of a unique and highly regarded operation
• lead improvements in business performance, governance and sustainability
• build strong relationships across industry, government and key stakeholders
• support a capable and future-focused workforce
• contribute to maritime safety, capability and service delivery outcomes beyond your immediate organisation.

About you
We are looking for a leader who brings strong business acumen, sound judgement and the ability to deliver outcomes in a complex operating environment.

You may come from government, transport, infrastructure, defence, training, commercial operations, or another service delivery environment. What matters most is your ability to lead a business, manage complexity, build trusted relationships and create sustainable outcomes.

You will bring a practical and collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to set direction, strengthen performance and support a team through change.

The full role requirements, including the key responsibilities and capabilities required for the position, are outlined in the attached role description.

Why join us?
This is more than a leadership role.
It's an opportunity to lead a respected operation through its next stage of growth and maturity, influence outcomes beyond your organisation, and leave a lasting impact on a business that plays an important role in supporting maritime capability and safety.

If you're motivated by leading change, improving performance and building something better for the future, we'd like to hear from you.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/695752/26

Closing Date: Monday: 3 August 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 695752 26 Role Description (Word, 564KB)
  Role Description