Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time
Salary: $298,489 - $430,740
Grade: VPS SES2
Occupation: Leadership and management
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/CEOSFV
Lead a new regulator tasked with the delivery of food safety regulation for Victorian businesses and the community.
About the role
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible to the Board of Safe Food Victoria for the delivery of Safe Food Victoria's powers, functions and duties in accordance with the law and the Ministerial Statement of Expectations.
The position will lead a skilled team of regulatory professionals to implement and drive best practice food safety and quality standards, a robust and proactive approach to regulation, risk management and quality assurance.
The CEO will lead the transition of SFV as Victoria's new food safety regulator, consolidating and absorbing existing food safety regulators PrimeSafe and Dairy Food Safety Victoria, in addition to food safety functions currently delivered by the Department of Health and ultimately Agriculture Victoria. The position will work closely with Agriculture Victoria as the portfolio manager, the Department of Health and local Councils.
About you:
The role requires regulatory leadership skills, experience working with a range of stakeholders across Victoria, nationally and industry; and have a substantial record of achievement and exercising sound judgement.
You regard your political acumen and interpersonal skills as key strengths and enjoy the challenges and rewards which come from leading a high-profile portfolio and building trust and credibility with Ministerial offices and the community.
About SFV:
Safe Food Victoria was established in 2026 as Victoria's food safety regulator. Safe Food Victoria is a statutory authority, with a governing Board appointed by the Minister for Agriculture.
Safe Food Victoria's role is to regulate Victoria's food industry in a way that robustly, responsively and effectively:
The position is intended to start on 1 July 2026. This is a fixed term position of 3 years.
SFV is (currently) located across two sites, Camberwell and South Melbourne, with Camberwell being the larger site. Hybrid work arrangements are available.
To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.
For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Luke Wilson, Chairperson Safe Food Victoria on 0402 279 041 or email [email protected].
Applications close at midnight on Friday, 22 May 2026.