This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) role with an attractive remuneration package for a fixed term appointment up to five (5) years.
Western Australia is a great place to live and deliver elections. And it’s getting better as we transform the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a contemporary leader in electoral service through modernising systems, strengthening capability, and lifting the experience for voters and stakeholders.
Elections might look straightforward from the outside, but behind every polling place, ballot count and result is a team that’s calm, switched-on and committed to getting it right. From State, Local Government and a wide range of community and private elections, we’re always planning, delivering and improving.
We are refreshing our WAEC values that underpin our work, guiding everything we do to ensure that we are one cohesive team pulling in the same direction. Join us for a rewarding executive leadership position offering a career opportunity with purpose, because in the end it’s not just about running an election. It’s about playing your part in something bigger, helping shape the future of WA.
The Opportunity:
As a key member of the Commission’s Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of secure, trusted and high‑quality electoral services for Western Australia.
Working closely with the Electoral Commissioner and Deputy Electoral Commissioner, the COO holds executive accountability for organisational performance, workforce capability, and operational readiness, including stewardship of critical infrastructure, data, digital and cyber capabilities. The role leads the modernisation and delivery of core enabling services such as finance, payroll, operations, and asset and facility management, while providing strategic oversight of the People and Culture, Information Services, and Finance and Business Services Directorates encompassing approximately 40 people. This highly influential role is central to maintaining a resilient, high‑performing, and future‑ready organisation that continues to meet the evolving needs of the Western Australian community.
About You:
You are a highly accomplished executive leader with experience leading large‑scale, high‑stakes operations where public confidence, integrity and reliability are critical. You bring deep expertise across enterprise functions including people and culture, finance, digital and information services, and asset and infrastructure management, and you understand how to align these capabilities to support complex service delivery.
You are experienced in translating strategic intent into operational readiness, particularly in environments with fixed timeframes, heightened scrutiny and reputational risk. Comfortable working with ambiguity and competing priorities, you exercise sound judgement under pressure and bring a disciplined, evidence‑based approach to governance, risk management and assurance.
With strong executive presence and highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you build trust across government, collaborate effectively with partners, and lead with clarity and confidence during periods of peak demand. Above all, you embody the spirit of public service, leading with integrity, resilience and calm authority, while maintaining an unwavering focus on protecting public trust and delivering outcomes in the best interests of Western Australians.
Specific details of the role can be found in the Job Description Form attached to this advert.
Want to know more?
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact, Celeste Mallozzi, Executive Director, Price Consulting Group on 0421 852 480 or celeste@priceconsulting.com.au.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit:
- A covering letter (maximum two pages)
- A resume outlining the skills, experience and capabilities you will bring to the role
In your covering letter, please outline your executive leadership experience in shaping organisational strategy and delivering high‑impact operational outcomes within complex and high‑risk service delivery environments. You should also explain why you are interested in this role and how your skills, values and experience align with the position.
The Job Description Forms is attached to assist you in the preparation of your application.
Applications close 4PM Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online, and if you experience any issues, please contact WAEC HR on 9214 0400. Late applications will not be accepted.
Other Conditions and Eligibility
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to a position with the WAEC, it is essential that you are an Australian Citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia. Non-permanent residents of Australia are only eligible for fixed term appointments if they possess a valid visa with appropriate working rights for the duration of the fixed term appointment.
The successful applicant will be required to sign a Declaration of Neutrality and Declaration of Confidentiality forms indicating that they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the necessary confidentiality to ensure the integrity of the Commission.
The work-related requirements for the role will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methodologies may be used throughout the recruitment process, including but not limited to skills assessments, psychometric testing, interview/s and referee checks. An executive search may take place at any stage of this process.
