Role:  Executive Director - Corporate Services and Capital - Taronga Zoo

• Located at Sydney’s Iconic Taronga Zoo  

• Ongoing, Full-time position – Executive Director, Corporate Services & Capital  

• Senior Executive Band 2 (SE2)  

Taronga Zoo Sydney is looking for an experienced and motivated Executive Director to lead our Corporate Services & Capital team!  

As the Executive Director – Corporate Services & Capital, you’ll be at the controls of Taronga’s powerhouse of innovation and integrity. You'll steer critical portfolios—from Finance and Risk to Legal, IT, and Capital Planning—ensuring world-class corporate services and strategic governance support the wild magic of Taronga’s mission. With oversight spanning cybersecurity to sustainability, you’ll enable impact, embed compliance, and champion visionary planning that lets Taronga thrive today and roar into tomorrow. 

About the Role… 

The Executive Director, Corporate Services & Capital leads the Corporate Services and Governance Division to deliver a range of professional corporate services including Finance, Audit, Risk Management, Insurance, Corporate Governance, Legal, Procurement & Contract Management, IT including projects and Cybersecurity, Capital Programs and Master Planning, and Knowledge Management to achieve financial sustainability, compliance, good governance and Taronga’s strategic plan objectives. 

Key Accountabilities… 

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team and ‘One Taronga’ approach in delivering a range of professional corporate services. 

• Provide dynamic financial leadership and lead services including whole-of-business budget development, cash flow management, performance monitoring, public sector/regulatory compliance and financial reporting. 

• Provide strategic advice to the Board and Chief Executive on matters relating to effective business structures, enterprise risk, long term cash flow and strategic priorities. 

• Drive a culture of a high level of financial accountability and budgetary control across Taronga. 

• Lead and direct the development, funding and delivery of Taronga’s capital program, ensuring works are completed on-time, within budget, are fit for purpose and support the strategic plan. 

• Drive a program of business efficiency, revenue maximisation and cost reduction across Taronga.  

• Ensure good corporate governance practices and procedures including effective enterprise risk management, comprehensive audits and appropriate legal advice/services. 

• Lead the provision of effective information technology infrastructure and platforms, quality user support services and innovative solutions which harness advances in digital technology and meet the evolving needs of the business across both Zoos and other Taronga enterprises. 

• Develop and deliver effective procurement systems and practices (including tender processes, contractor management, and effective supply chains) to ensure the timely and value-for-money acquisition of goods and services required by the business. 

• Direct and oversee comprehensive, compliant and secure knowledge management practices for the business. 

• As a member of Taronga’s Executive Team provide expert advice, recommendations and services to Taronga’s Chief Executive, Board, Minister, th NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and other government agencies. 

• Provide effective Divisional leadership and management of staff and operations ensuring appropriate systems, policies, procedures, resourcing, performance management, risk mitigation, continuous improvement in a high-performance, values driven culture. 

About You… 

We are looking for candidates that have:  

• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Business or relevant qualifications. A post graduate qualification in a finance (CPA) is highly desirable. 

• Senior experience in corporate services which may include thorough knowledge of finance, taxation, budget management, audit, risk management, governance, information technology, procurement and records management. 

• Highly developed leadership and people management experience, including the ability to coach a high functioning team while positively influencing others to achieve results. 

• Substantial experience communicating financial reports and issues to the Board and Chief Executive and build effective relationships with a complex and diverse range of stakeholders both internally and externally. 

• Experience negotiating persuasively and to successfully listen, understand and adapt to a range of audiences. 

• Demonstrated conceptual and analytical skills, strategic thinking and sound judgement. 

• Political acumen and political sensitivity. 

Benefits… 

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following: 

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers! 

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga’s Sydney & Dubbo Zoo’s 

• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods  

• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites 

• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites 

• Discounted Fitness Passport 

• We’re a social team - there’s always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with! 

• + more! 

We Value Diversity… 

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.  

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation. 

About Applying… 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application. 

1. Share a specific example of how you've overseen the development and delivery of a major capital works program. What key decisions did you make to ensure it was completed on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals? 

2. How have you used financial leadership to improve organisational sustainability, performance, and compliance? Please include examples of your approach to budgeting, risk management, and strategic planning. 

Applications Close:  11:59pm, Tuesday 12 August 2025