Chief Operating Officer (Future Energy Exports)
- The University of Western Australia
- Australia, WA
- Jul 20, 2026
Job Description:
- Work closely with the CEO and Board to shape organisational strategy, governance, and growth.
- Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
- Competitive senior executive salary package including 17% superannuation.
About the area
The School of Engineering at The University of Western Australia is a globally recognised centre for multidisciplinary teaching and research across engineering fields.
The School hosts the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) —a national, not-for-profit research organisation established to support Australia’s transition to low-emissions energy exports. FEnEx CRC brings together industry, academia, and government to advance innovation in LNG and hydrogen, providing research, policy advice, training, and commercialisation pathways to strengthen Australia’s global energy position.
About the opportunity
This is a pivotal executive leadership role within FEnEx CRC. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the organisation delivers on its mission, complies with Commonwealth funding obligations, and continues to grow its impact across Australia’s energy sector.
You will lead core business operations including governance, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and organisational performance. Acting as a key executive working with the CEO and Board, you will shape strategy, optimise resources, and drive business development and research translation outcomes.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong track record of executive leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally within research, government-funded programs, or innovation ecosystems.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification in business, management, engineering, science or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent executive-level experience.
- Extensive senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally within research, government-funded programs, or CRCs.
- Advanced knowledge of governance, compliance, and contractual frameworks, including experience working with Commonwealth funding agreements or similar regulatory environments.
- Proven demonstrated ability to lead organisational strategy, operational planning, and resource allocation at an enterprise level.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with Boards, government, and senior stakeholders.
Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A current National Police Clearance and Finance check will be required by the successful applicant.
Position description: 
PD [Chief Operating Officer (Future Energy Exports)] [523937].pdf
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chief Executive Officer, Professor Eric May at [email protected] or [email protected]
For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Talent Advisor at [email protected]
How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.
You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on 11:55pm AWST on Sunday, 2 August 2026
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.
If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is one of Australia's leading universities and has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research.
It has almost 24,000 students enrolled...
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Job Description:
- Work closely with the CEO and Board to shape organisational strategy, governance, and growth.
- Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
- Competitive senior executive salary package including 17% superannuation.
About the area
The School of Engineering at The University of Western Australia is a globally recognised centre for multidisciplinary teaching and research across engineering fields.
The School hosts the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre (FEnEx CRC) —a national, not-for-profit research organisation established to support Australia’s transition to low-emissions energy exports. FEnEx CRC brings together industry, academia, and government to advance innovation in LNG and hydrogen, providing research, policy advice, training, and commercialisation pathways to strengthen Australia’s global energy position.
About the opportunity
This is a pivotal executive leadership role within FEnEx CRC. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the organisation delivers on its mission, complies with Commonwealth funding obligations, and continues to grow its impact across Australia’s energy sector.
You will lead core business operations including governance, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and organisational performance. Acting as a key executive working with the CEO and Board, you will shape strategy, optimise resources, and drive business development and research translation outcomes.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring a strong track record of executive leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally within research, government-funded programs, or innovation ecosystems.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification in business, management, engineering, science or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent executive-level experience.
- Extensive senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally within research, government-funded programs, or CRCs.
- Advanced knowledge of governance, compliance, and contractual frameworks, including experience working with Commonwealth funding agreements or similar regulatory environments.
- Proven demonstrated ability to lead organisational strategy, operational planning, and resource allocation at an enterprise level.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with Boards, government, and senior stakeholders.
Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A current National Police Clearance and Finance check will be required by the successful applicant.
Position description: PD [Chief Operating Officer (Future Energy Exports)] [523937].pdf
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chief Executive Officer, Professor Eric May at [email protected] or [email protected]
For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Talent Advisor at [email protected]
How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.
You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.
Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on 11:55pm AWST on Sunday, 2 August 2026
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.
If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.
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