Job Description
Job Reference: 1114382
For almost three decades, Australia’s
Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc)
and its predecessors have been leading collaborative research in the built environment - bridging industry, government, and universities to create smarter, more sustainable, and more liveable communities.
From housing, buildings and infrastructure to digital transformation and climate‑resilient design, SBEnrc connects vision with impact; translating research into real‑world change that benefits industries, people, and the planet.
This thriving national centre operates as an Unincorporated Joint Venture, proudly supported by Curtin University as the Centre Agent.
Your New Role
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic
Chief Executive Officer
to lead the next chapter of SBEnrc’s journey. This is a rare opportunity to stand at the intersection of
innovation, leadership, and impact ; guiding a national collaboration network that shapes the future of Australia’s built environment.
Reporting to the SBEnrc’s Governing Board and working in partnership with Curtin University and senior leaders across industry, government and research, the CEO will champion a bold agenda: accelerating research translation, deepening partnerships, securing investment, and ensuring SBEnrc continues to set the benchmark for collaborative innovation across Australia and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Set the vision:
Lead the implementation of SBEnrc’s strategic plan to deliver research that solves real‑world challenges in environmental sustainability, productivity, and processes.
Nurture and grow our network : Cultivate new and existing partnerships with industry, government and research institutions, nationally and internationally for the benefit of our partners.
Drive excellence:
Strengthen research governance, financial performance and operational effectiveness to sustain and expand the Centre’s success.
Lead and inspire:
Empower a team of project leaders, researchers and industry and government partners to collaborate, innovate, and achieve mutually meaningful outcomes.
Champion thought leadership:
Represent SBEnrc as a trusted voice in national conversations about the future of the built environment - from sustainable construction and digital transformation to social and environmental resilience.
Deliver impact:
Guide applied research projects and communications from concept to delivery, ensuring the process and findings influence policy, inform practice and inspire innovation - building a safer, smarter and more productive industry.
About You
You are a connector, strategist and storyteller. A leader who thrives on collaboration and influence.
Selection Criteria
Formal qualifications with a minimum of a Bachelors, and/or Master’s Degree in a built environment discipline together with extensive relevant industry research leadership experience.
Demonstrated capacity for research leadership in built environment related fields.
Proven ability to increase local, national and international standing of an established and well‑respected research centre.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in research universities, government clients and regulators and private enterprise.
Proven ability to develop, manage, report and communicate applied research programs within a Centre.
Potential to lead and encourage ‘research into practice’ dissemination in industry and quality journals to profile the activities and achievements of the Centre and its partners.
Demonstrated commitment to applying relevant and applicable policies, procedures and legislation in the day‑to‑day performance of the functions of the position.
Role Requirements
You will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this position to be considered. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
For more information about this opportunity please view the following link to access the Executive Brochure: https://tinyurl.com/37m3ypru
About the Team: Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc)
Following national research partnership with CSIRO since 1996 and a successful life as the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation (CRCci) from 2001 to 2009, SBEnrc has since 2010 continued to grow as a leader in industry‑funded research focused on creating sustainable solutions for the Australian built environment. With its national network spanning four key Australian states, SBEnrc is at the forefront of applied research in areas including social and affordable housing, digital engineering, circular economy, sustainable procurement, and green energy transitions. With dedicated industry, government and research teams and strong national and international collaborations all supported by a headquarters’ team located at Curtin University, SBEnrc is poised for further growth driving transformative change in the industry.
Why Join SBEnrc?
Innovative Environment:
Lead impactful projects that shape the future of the built environment in Australia and globally.
Collaborative Culture:
Work alongside existing and future passionate industry leaders, government clients and regulators and research partners.
Professional Growth:
The opportunity to shape high‑performing teams and elevate SBEnrc’s standing in the industry research community.
Strategic Impact:
Contribute to the Centre’s strategic direction and the delivery of cutting‑edge research programs. For more information please visit: https://sbenrc.com.au/
About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. Curtin is an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. The university’s aim is to support a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit Curtin’s Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/
How to Apply
Up to date resume
Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s
selection criteria (noted above).
If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.
Applications close: 8.30PM (AWST), Monday 19 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.
Interviews for this position are currently scheduled to take place at Curtin University, Perth on 12 February 2026.
Curtin University on behalf of SBEnrc reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.
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