Executive Director, Regulatory Capability and Harm Prevention

About this role

Lead reform. Influence outcomes. Help create safer workplaces across NSW. Senior Executive Band 2 Ongoing opportunity Sydney, Parramatta or Gosford An opportunity to make a lasting impact SafeWork NSW is seeking an exceptional executive to lead strategic reform across specialist areas of regulation and engagement. This role offers the opportunity to shape how workplace risks are identified, prevented and addressed across NSW, while influencing policy, regulatory practice and industry-wide outcomes. Working as part of the executive leadership team, you will help strengthen the capability of a modern regulator and contribute to safer workplaces for millions of workers across the state. Why this role? This is a role for a leader who thrives in complexity and can bring together stakeholders, evidence and strategy to deliver meaningful change. You will have the opportunity to: Lead work that delivers tangible benefits to workers, employers and the broader community. Influence regulatory and reform agendas at the highest levels. Build strong partnerships across industry, government, unions and the workplace safety ecosystem. Drive innovation and capability uplift within a regulator undergoing significant transformation. Lead high-performing teams committed to excellence, accountability and public value. About you You are a respected executive leader with experience navigating complex operational environments and delivering strategic outcomes. You bring: A proven ability to lead large-scale transformation, reform or regulatory initiatives. Exceptional stakeholder engagement, collaboration and influencing capability. Strong strategic, political and commercial acumen, coupled with sound judgement in complex and sensitive environments. A track record of building high-performing, inclusive and accountable teams. Experience in regulatory, compliance, safety, policy, operational or related environments. About SafeWork NSW SafeWork NSW is the state's workplace health and safety regulator, focused on reducing workplace injuries, illness and fatalities and improving health and safety outcomes across NSW. As SafeWork NSW continues its transformation as a contemporary regulator, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of workplace health and safety and make a genuine difference to workers, families and communities. Apply Now Please note: SafeWork NSW has engaged Orchard Talent Group to manage this recruitment process. Applications must be submitted to SafeWorkNSW@orchardtalent.com.au. Please submit your current resume and a cover letter (maximum four pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability for the position. For a confidential discussion, please contact Felicity Stalley, Lead Partner, on 0411 210 729 or Jessica Lewy, Partner, on 0468 158 366. This is a Band 2 position. A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated within the Band 2 range, commensurate with the successful candidate's skills and experience. Help shape the future of workplace safety in NSW. Click Here to access the Role Description. Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description. A talent pool may be created as part of this recruitment process and will be valid for up to 18 months. The talent pool may be used to fill future ongoing or temporary vacancies of the same or similar role. Closing Date: Monday 17 August 2026 at 9:59am Careers at Department of Customer Service A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state. Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives. You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here. We provide adjustments to the recruitment process for candidates, including individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, including alternate formats or have questions about the support available, please contact Talent Operations on 02 8276 8130 or csrecruitment@customerservice.nsw.gov.au. For more information, please visit: Information on some of the different types of disabilities Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process