Executive Job Opportunity: Chief Regulatory Officer  

• Establish and lead the new Conservation and Heritage Regulator
• Senior Executive Band 2: TRP commencing from $300,372
• Sydney and Parramatta location
• Ongoing Full-time

The newly established Conservation and Heritage Regulator (CHR) will bring together existing regulatory functions into a single, purpose-built division in the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation (CPHR) group within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). To be supported by an Advisory Board, the CHR has a mandate to lift regulatory maturity and strengthen our regulatory approach.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO) to establish and lead the Conservation and Heritage Regulator (CHR).  In this pivotal executive role, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of state-wide conservation and heritage regulatory functions.

The CRO provides strategic leadership across regulatory policy, enforcement, data systems, and program delivery, ensuring outcomes align with legislative obligations, government priorities, and community expectations.  As a key member of the executive leadership team in CPHR, you will also manage and control the affairs of the CHR, providing high-level direction in accordance with guidance from the Advisory Board.

About You

You are a highly motivated and experienced regulatory executive who has held senior executive regulatory leadership positions. You have proven ability to lead organisational reform, build high-performing teams, and deliver sustained improvement in regulatory capability and performance.

Your extensive professional experience will include operational management skills and experience, and experience in leading and motivating a senior management group and managing a large team of professionals towards goals and objectives.

You will be responsible for providing high level, authoritative strategic advice to the Deputy Secretary, Secretary, Minister and Advisory Board on complex regulatory compliance and enforcement issues.

You will be responsible for formulating and implementing best practice compliance and enforcement strategies that reflect contemporary regulatory principles, government priorities, and community expectations.

You will provide senior leadership across the government to drive and support the delivery of conservation and heritage management outcomes for the people of NSW.  This will include leading and directing relevant regulatory functions, including under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, Local Land Services Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Act, to ensure risk-based, fair, and consistent regulation.

In this critical leadership role, you will:

• Operate with a high level of autonomy, holding full accountability for the quality and  accuracy of strategic compliance and enforcement advice, decision-making and reporting.
• Represent the Conservation and Heritage Regulator (CHR), the Conservation, Planning and Heritage Reform (CPHR) Group, the Department, and the Government in high-level engagement with state agencies, industry, communities, and key stakeholders to achieve compliance and enforcement outcomes.
• Lead the development and management of business plans aligned with CPHR Group objectives, ensuring effective program governance and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee strategic and business planning, program delivery, and operational performance of the Regulator, with responsibility for managing human, financial, and capital resources within approved budget, staffing, and delegation frameworks.
• Act as the principal decision-maker on compliance strategy, enforcement actions, and prosecution matters, ensuring independence and integrity in regulatory outcomes and exercising sound judgment in complex and often unprecedented situations.

Apply now and bring your leadership to where it matters most.

Essential Requirements

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or equivalent experience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Chief Regulatory Officer

Who we are

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If you are excited about this opportunity, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 17^th August at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Jon Noble – Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via jonathan.noble@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0418 388 549.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Jon Noble via jonathan.noble@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 544303).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn. 

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DCCEEW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.