Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Affiliations
PAST Related ROLES prior to2017
DSS Secretary Award
Timeline
Generic

SAMANTHA WARD

Gungahlin

Summary

I am an energetic professional with an outcomes focus and can do attitude. I have a strong sense and interest of user-centric policy and delivery. I have extensive corporate, service delivery and program management experience. I have very good networking skills with the ability to make connections with key enabling areas and stakeholders. I am approachable and always willing to share ideas and my knowledge.

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in [Area of expertise] and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.

Diligent [Desired Position] with strong background in program management. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within scope. Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Program Manager

Home Affairs
08.2023 - Current
  • Led administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
  • Oversight of cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Coaching and Mentoring of Digital Participants
  • Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training
  • Met with placement stakeholders on regular basis to assess participant progress and make adjustments.

A/g Executive Officer [EL2] for CIOs Office and Program Manager for ICTD Entry Level Program /ICT Division

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - Current
  • EO for CIO – management of workflow, coordination of CIO Office, assignment of divisional input to8 ICTD Branches, Overseeing Business Manager cohort across division
  • Providing advice on tactical and operational business for ICTD
  • Development of Divisional Workforce and Business Plans
  • Development of written material – briefs & minutes for internal & external use at government and parliamentary committees
  • Collaboration with People Division Entry Pathway Team for partnership in running ICTD Entry Level participants
  • Coaching and Capability uplift for Digital Apprentices, Cadets and Graduates
  • Development of Digital Entry Framework and programmatic review of program and providing advice to CIO and GM
  • Enhanced organizational growth by developing strategic partnerships and alliances.
  • Led cross-functional teams to drive company-wide initiatives that aligned with corporate objectives.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and drive business success.

Delivery Manager, EL1 Delivery Management Office, Technology Operations Support Branch/ICT Division

Department of Home Affairs
07.2022 - 08.2023
  • Capability uplift for Workforce – including leading APS and Contractor Recruitment initiatives for the branch
  • Team Lead for3 staff members - Program Office
  • Workforce Management planning for a diverse branch of both ICT Technical professionals and program support staff
  • Act as Director for Delivery Management functions

Delivery Manager

Home Affairs
07.2022 - 07.2023
  • Managed relationships with key stakeholders to ensure smooth project deliveries and overall satisfaction.
  • Acted as a liaison between the delivery team and upper management, effectively communicating concerns and suggestions for improvements.
  • Managed resources effectively to avoid unnecessary delivery delays.
  • Championed a customer-centric approach, consistently seeking feedback from clients to make improvements and enhance the overall delivery experience.
  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for project management, contributing to their professional growth and development within the organization.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion and client satisfaction.
  • Enhanced team performance with regular coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  • Led the capability uplift for branch
  • Managment of 3 multi discip

Business Manager Director

Home Affairs
10.2019 - 07.2022
  • Established strong relationships with clients and vendors to foster long-term collaboration opportunities.
  • Assisted with hiring process and training of new employees.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
  • Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, aligning the company''s values with community engagement efforts.

Business Manager EL1, Service Delivery Design & ICT Architecture Branches

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - 06.2022
  • A/g EO [EL2 equivalent] for CIO in March to May2020 & January2022
  • A/g EO for FAS Service Design and Delivery in March2022
  • Lead implementation of Scaled Agile Education Program across two divisions
  • Branch coordination for Division and Group reporting
  • Managed recruitment activities, governance and financial tracking
  • Development of Branch and Workforce Planning

Business Manager EL1, Service Delivery Design & ICT Architecture Branches

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - 06.2022
  • A/g EO [EL2 equivalent] for CIO in March to May2020 & January2022
  • A/g EO for FAS Service Design and Delivery in March2022
  • Lead implementation of Scaled Agile Education Program across two divisions
  • Branch coordination for Division and Group reporting
  • Managed recruitment activities, governance and financial tracking
  • Development of Branch and Workforce Planning

Education

Bachelor of Management - HR Major

University of Canberra
01.2006

Diploma of Business - undefined

Southbank TAFE Brisbane
01.1999

Various - Internal APS And External Providers

Skills

  • Engaging with Executives, Stakeholders, peak bodies and end users
  • Coaching and Mentoring staff
  • Capability uplift of staff and engaging with staff for improvement in personal and team goals
  • Problem-solving
  • Strategic planning
  • Team leadership and direction
  • Project coordination

  • Policy and procedure improvements
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Stakeholder communications
  • Relationship building
  • Good judgment
  • MS office applications

    Linking Strategic Goals to operational outcomes

    Critical thinking

Certification

  • 2023 Internal HR Consulting, AHRI
  • 2022 Career Coaching, The Life Academy
  • 2022 User Experience and Design Thinking, UC Learn
  • 2022 Leading Scaled Agile Teams, Pretty Agile
  • 2022 Organisational Coaching Certification Level1, IECL
  • 2020 Leadership Masterclass, The Hatchery
  • 2020 Change Management, Knowledge Academy
  • 2019 HBDI, Leading and Developing Teams
  • 2018 Building Relationships, Stakeholder Engagement
  • 2016 Strategic Thinking, Working Effectively at EL1 level
  • 2013 DEEWR Emotional Intelligence, Leadership program

Awards

DSS Secretary Team Award for JobAccess Gateway2016 implementation

Affiliations

  • Australian Human Resources Institute
  • Australian Computer Society
  • SAPJAM Member – Diversity and Inclusion

PAST Related ROLES prior to2017

  • I previously spent over10 years with the former DEEWR/DESE in a range of program management, policy implementation and cluster enabling roles with both Employment and Childcare groups.
  • I understand the landscape of service providers, peak bodies, state/territory government counterparts and industry partners through my experience with provider visits, tender assessments and negotiating large industry partnerships within the employment services and disability support network.
  • I am experienced with liaising with employers, providers, job seekers and end users in a range of settings.

DSS Secretary Award

2017 

Innovation for JobAccess program implementation, website redevelopment and joining of related contracts 

Timeline

Program Manager

Home Affairs
08.2023 - Current

Delivery Manager

Home Affairs
07.2022 - 07.2023

Delivery Manager, EL1 Delivery Management Office, Technology Operations Support Branch/ICT Division

Department of Home Affairs
07.2022 - 08.2023

Business Manager Director

Home Affairs
10.2019 - 07.2022

A/g Executive Officer [EL2] for CIOs Office and Program Manager for ICTD Entry Level Program /ICT Division

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - Current

Business Manager EL1, Service Delivery Design & ICT Architecture Branches

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - 06.2022

Business Manager EL1, Service Delivery Design & ICT Architecture Branches

Department of Home Affairs
10.2019 - 06.2022

Diploma of Business - undefined

Southbank TAFE Brisbane

Bachelor of Management - HR Major

University of Canberra

Various - Internal APS And External Providers
SAMANTHA WARD