How Private Sector Leaders Can
Adriana Modersitzki
At The Elite Collective, we have countless conversations with private sector leaders and managers looking to move into the Australian Public Service (APS). One of the biggest challenges they face when transitioning from private to public sector leadership is understanding how APS job levels compare to private sector roles,. In fact, we often hear:
“I’ve been a senior leader for years—should I be applying for EL1 or EL2?”
Many assume that EL2 is the most logical step based on their leadership experience, salary expectations, or seniority in their industry. However, the APS doesn’t operate like the private sector, and securing an EL2 role without APS experience is far less common than many expect.
That’s why we created this three-part series—to demystify the transition into APS leadership and help private sector professionals make informed career decisions.
Part 1 (You’re Here!): APS EL1 vs EL2 – Which APS Leadership Role is Right for Private Sector Professionals?
This article breaks down APS leadership levels, the differences between EL1 and EL2, and how to assess which role aligns with your experience.
Part 2: Why EL1 is the Best Entry Point for Private Sector Professionals
Now that you understand how EL1 and EL2 differ, Part 2 explains why EL1 is the most strategic entry point—and why EL2 is rarely attainable without APS experience.
Part 3: How to Maximise Your Success in Landing an EL Role
Now that you understand where you fit, this blog unpacks the APS hiring process, explains selection criteria, Work Level Standards, the Integrated Leadership System (ILS), and how to structure your application for success.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a clear understanding of where you fit in the APS and how to successfully position yourself for an executive-level role.
Let’s get into it.
If you’re a private sector professional looking to move into the Australian Public Service (APS), understanding how Executive Level (EL) positions fit into the broader APS leadership structure is the first step in determining where your experience aligns—and which level is the most realistic entry point.
The APS operates with clear leadership tiers, each defining a different level of responsibility, decision-making, and policy influence:
APS Levels (APS 1–6): Primarily technical and operational roles, with APS 6 often acting as a senior subject-matter expert or team leader.
Executive Level 1 (EL1): The first level of executive leadership, responsible for managing teams and projects while ensuring work is delivered within APS frameworks.
Executive Level 2 (EL2): A senior leadership role with a focus on strategic oversight, policy influence, and cross-agency collaboration.
Senior Executive Service (SES Band 1+): The highest level of APS leadership, responsible for shaping government priorities and leading large-scale initiatives.
EL1 and EL2 sit between APS-level roles (APS 1–6) and the Senior Executive Service (SES), acting as a bridge between operational teams and high-level strategic leadership. While both roles require strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, they operate at different levels of complexity and influence. The jump from EL1 to EL2 is significant, particularly in terms of strategic leadership and whole-of-government engagement.
Ultimately, the difference between EL1 and EL2 isn’t just about title or salary—it’s also about leadership expectations, policy experience, and APS-specific governance knowledge. While EL1 allows room for professionals to transition in, learn APS frameworks, and lead teams and projects, EL2 is a strategic leadership role requiring whole-of-government thinking. This makes direct EL2 transitions from the private sector far less common.
An Executive Level 1 (EL1) position in the APS is a mid-level leadership role requiring a blend of technical expertise, project management, and people leadership. As I often say to clients, EL1s are leaders, yes. But they are also ‘doers’. While EL1s manage teams and projects, they are still expected to engage in hands-on work, ensuring that outcomes align with APS priorities and frameworks.
Key Responsibilities of an EL1:
Key Takeaway: EL1s are critical in delivering on government priorities, but they do so within established frameworks, rather than creating the frameworks themselves.
An Executive Level 2 (EL2) role is a senior leadership position requiring high-level policy influence, cross-agency collaboration, and strategic decision-making. Unlike EL1s, EL2s do not focus on direct project execution—instead, they guide, shape, and lead at a broader, more strategic level.
Key Responsibilities of an EL2:
Key Takeaway: EL2s are expected to think beyond their immediate scope, working at a level where strategy, governance, and leadership shape broader APS priorities.
If you’re unsure which level best fits your experience, the APS provides an EL1 and EL2 capability self-assessment tool. It’s a wonderful resource that we often recommend.
For many private sector professionals, an EL2 role may feel like the logical entry point due to seniority, leadership experience, or salary expectations. However, as we’ve explored, EL1 is often the more realistic and attainable first step—one that allows you to transition successfully, gain APS-specific leadership experience, and set yourself up for long-term career progression.
Now that you understand the differences between EL1 and EL2, the next step is to look at why EL1 is the best entry point for private sector professionals and how to position yourself effectively in the APS job market.
Read Part 2: Why EL1 is the Best Entry Point for Private Sector Professionals
Read Part 3: How to Maximise Your Success in Landing an EL Role
If you’re serious about making a successful transition into APS leadership, The Elite Collective specialises in helping professionals navigate this process, optimise their applications, and position themselves for APS success.
You can find our FAQ here, our fee structure here, and our contact form here.
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