Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
- Based in Parramatta NSW, with hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152,677 up to $167,562 pa plus superannuation
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to drive the design, delivery and continuous improvement of key climate and sustainability initiatives. This pivotal role will lead a portfolio of programs focused on climate change, sustainability, circular economy, climate risk and adaptation, and net zero emissions.
A core component of the role is managing and overseeing the delivery of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) which sets out which activities are eligible, how many certificates they create, and how they must be delivered. They are responsible for ensuring that the activity settings meet the scheme objectives and adaptively manage emerging risks in the scheme.
About the Scheme
The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) and Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) are part of the Energy Security Safeguard (the Safeguard). The Safeguard is helping make the NSW energy system more reliable, affordable and sustainable. It’s supporting the transition to a renewable energy system in NSW and helping achieve the NSW emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050.
The PDRS is a certificate scheme reducing electricity demand during peak hours in NSW. The PDRS started in the summer of 2022-23. The primary objective of the PDRS is creating a financial incentive to reduce peak demand by encouraging activities that reduce electricity demand during peak hours. Reducing peak demand improves the reliability and resilience of the energy system, while also improving affordability and sustainability.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Leigh Burrell, Strategic Delivery Manager, via leigh.burrell@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
About You
You are a strategic and outcomes-driven leader with strong experience delivering complex policy-driven programs. You bring:
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale climate, sustainability or environmental programs
- Proven capability in designing or managing trading schemes or market-based mechanisms
- Strong program and project management expertise, including governance and risk management
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to navigate complex, high-pressure environments with competing priorities
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
Essential Requirements
- Superior knowledge of the operational and strategic requirements for the successful delivery of sustainability, circular economy, climate change, resilience, adaptation and/or net zero emissions programs.
- High level experience to develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational plans to deliver complex programs, with a track record of providing direction and results achievement through multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
For more information read the full Role Description: Role Description - Manager Programs
Why Join Us? (Your Impact & Benefits)
- Make a real difference – Deliver programs that have tangible environmental, economic and community impact
- Lead at the forefront of innovation – Shape and evolve a trading scheme driving sustainable outcomes at scale
- Influence strategy and policy – Be a trusted advisor on emerging climate and sustainability challenges
- Work with purpose-driven experts – Collaborate with passionate, high-performing professionals
- Grow your career – Lead complex, high-profile initiatives with strong development opportunities
- Flexible and supportive environment – We value wellbeing, flexibility and sustainable ways of working
Who we are
The 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 excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close Wednesday 3rd June 2026 (11:55PM).
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.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
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 Amanda Paterson, Talent Acquisition Specialist, on 02 6360 9017 (please mention reference number 550412).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
