Program Manager

Lead Impactful nutrition initiatives

Are you a leader passionate about creating healthier communities

The National Nutrition Foundation is seeking an exceptional Program Manager to spearhead the Healthy Eating Advisory Service (HEAS) Victorias leading government-funded program transforming food environments across the state.

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful change and directly impact the health and wellbeing of Australians. Youll join a respected organisation with 45 years of expertise leading a dedicated team while collaborating with government stakeholders and industry partners to create lasting systemic change.

About National Nutrition Foundation

The National Nutrition Foundation is Australias leading independent national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enabling all Australians to enjoy nutritious foods and drinks. With a proud 45-year history of excellence we believe all Australians deserve health and wellbeing. Our purpose drives everything we do to enable empower and influence Australias food systems and the people who depend on them.

The Healthy Eating Advisory Service (HEAS)

As Program Manager youll lead HEAS and other programs. The HEAS focuses on improving the availability and promotion of healthy food and drinks in:

• Early childhood education and care services
• Primary and secondary schools
• Health services
• Sport and recreation facilities
• Workplace settings

HEAS directly supports the Victorian Governments strategic direction for public health and wellbeing making this role central to state-wide health improvement efforts. The programs evidence-based approach has demonstrated measurable improvements in food environments reaching thousands of organisations and ultimately impacting hundreds of thousands of Victorians.

Your Leadership Journey

Strategic Leadership Excellence: Youll provide inspirational leadership to a passionate multi-disciplinary team fostering an environment where innovation thrives and best practices are shared. Your role extends beyond traditional management youll be a mentor coach and strategic thinker who translates complex policy objectives into clear achievable outcomes.

Working closely with our Co-Chief Executive Officers and senior management team youll contribute directly to organisational strategic planning helping shape the future direction of public health nutrition across Australia. Your insights will inform funding submissions partnership development and program expansion opportunities.

Program Management: Navigate complex stakeholder relationships as you negotiate deliverables with Government departments ensuring all contractual obligations are met while maximising program impact. Youll develop and implement comprehensive project plans identifying potential risks and establishing robust management strategies.

Your financial acumen will be crucial as you manage substantial program budgets identifying opportunities for efficiency and sustainability. This includes developing compelling business cases for program continuation and expansion supported by rigorous evaluation data and stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder Engagement: Your communication skills will be essential as you participate actively on relevant networks and advisory committees.

Building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders from government officials to community leaders from industry representatives to academic researchers will be central to your success. These relationships form the foundation for sustainable program impact and organisational growth.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Champion evidence-based practice by overseeing comprehensive program evaluation activities. Youll ensure robust measurement of program activities and outcomes using findings to inform continuous quality improvement and future strategic planning.

Develop compelling reports for various audiences from quarterly data summaries to comprehensive annual reports. Your ability to translate complex evaluation findings into accessible actionable insights will support both program improvement and funding advocacy.

What Youll Bring

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in public health public health nutrition or health promotion providing the theoretical knowledge essential for evidence-based program leadership
• Industry Expertise: High-level knowledge of Victorias and Australias public health nutrition landscape including comprehensive understanding of policies and guidelines directing early childhood school health service and sport/recreation settings
• Evidence-Based Practice: Deep understanding of health promotion strategies and their contribution to developing healthier communities with ability to apply this knowledge in diverse organisational contexts
• Program Leadership: Proven experience in program management and planning with demonstrated success in delivering complex initiatives within scope budget and timeline parameters
• People Leadership: Exceptional leadership skills with experience in staff development management and leading teams to achieve key outcomes in challenging environments
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences from government officials to community volunteers
• Relationship Building: Extensive experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders particularly government departments and agencies
• Organisational skills: Excellent organisational and task management capabilities including proven ability to set and achieve goals meet tight deadlines and handle competing demands effectively
• Financial Management: Strong financial management skills including budget development monitoring and ensuring program delivery within approved parameters
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving abilities with demonstrated capacity to navigate complex challenges and develop innovative solutions
• Analytical Thinking: Strong attention to detail and critical analysis skills essential for program evaluation and continuous improvement
• Public Speaking: Confidence and experience presenting to various audiences from small working groups to large conference

Highly Desirable:

• Research Translation: Understanding of evidence-based research methodologies with proven ability to translate high-level research findings into practical program applications
• Mobility: Current drivers license and access to own vehicle for program-related travel across Victoria

Professional Excellence

Organisational Alignment: Deep understanding and commitment to the National Nutrition Foundations vision of enabling all Australians to enjoy nutritious foods and our values of collaboration evidence-based practice and health equity.

Continuous Improvement: Genuine commitment to continuous quality improvement both personally and organisationally with enthusiasm for learning and professional development.

Personal Attributes: You display initiative motivation and self-confidence while remaining reliable and flexible. You thrive in self-directed frameworks while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders and team members.

What We Offer

Salary: $115000-$120000 (pro-rata) with community salary packaging.

Meaningful Impact: Join an organisation where your work directly improves community health outcomes and contributes to creating more equitable food systems across Australia.

Professional Growth: Opportunity to lead at senior levels within a respected national organisation contributing to strategic direction and organisational development.

Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals committed to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement in an environment that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.

Work-Life Balance: Richmond-based position with flexible work-from-home arrangements supporting your professional success while maintaining personal wellbeing.

Network Access: Connect with leading researchers policymakers and practitioners across Australias public health nutrition community through our extensive professional networks.

Application Process

Interview Timeline: Interviews will be conducted between 18-22 August 2025

Role Commencement: Mid-October 2025

Submit your application via and attach one PDF document which includes:

1. Resume: Highlighting relevant experience and achievements
2. Cover Letter: Providing specific examples demonstrating how you meet the key selection criteria.

We will be reviewing applications during the job advertisement period so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To view the position description please visit: We encourage you to reach out with any queries about this role. Contact us at

Ready to Lead Change Join us in creating healthier communities across Victoria and Australia to contribute to meaningful lasting change in Australias food systems.

National Nutrition Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive.