Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Lead and develop a high-performing policy team, building capability and mentoring emerging talent
- Permanent full-time opportunity, 35 hours per week
- Parramatta office location, hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $173,121 pa to $191,993 pa + super
Our Strategic Policy and Cabinet Branch is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Manager Policy to lead high-impact policy development and reform initiatives at the centre of government. This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence policy that drives the NSW Government’s priorities, working across portfolios and with senior decision-makers to guide complex ideas from early development through to Cabinet and Parliament.
In this role, you will lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic policy, legislative and regulatory reforms in a fast-paced and evolving environment. You will work closely with executives, Ministers’ offices and central agencies, providing clear, evidence-based advice and navigating complex government processes with confidence. Your ability to interpret the broader economic, social and political landscape will allow you to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and drive outcomes that align with whole-of-government priorities.
You will bring a strong focus on quality, ensuring policy development is underpinned by sound research, robust analysis and a deep understanding of legislative and strategic frameworks. Building trusted relationships across government will be essential as you influence stakeholders, reconcile competing priorities and deliver cohesive policy outcomes. Alongside this, you will champion best practice policy design and evaluation, strengthening capability across the division and ensuring initiatives are effective, transparent and deliver meaningful results.
About You
You are a strategic policy leader with a strong track record of delivering high-quality advice in complex government environments. You bring deep experience in developing and leading policy and reform initiatives, underpinned by sound research, critical thinking and a clear understanding of legislative and strategic frameworks. You are confident engaging with senior executives, Ministers’ offices and central agencies and are known for your ability to influence outcomes, navigate competing priorities and provide clear, considered advice, even in fast-paced or ambiguous situations.
You have a strong understanding of the NSW Government context relating to climate change, energy, environment, heritage, or water matters and have experience in providing policy, strategic and operational advice and recommendations at a senior level. You thrive when working across portfolios and building trusted relationships to drive alignment and achieve whole-of-government outcomes. Your leadership style is collaborative and outcomes-focused, enabling you to guide multidisciplinary teams through complex policy challenges while maintaining a strong focus on delivery. With a keen awareness of the broader political, economic and social context, you bring both strategic insight and practical judgement, along with a commitment to strengthening policy capability and delivering reforms that make a meaningful impact.
Essential Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in a relevant field.
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy Manager
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 Monday, 20 July 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Gavin Seymour, Director Strategic Policy & Cabinet via Gavin.Seymour@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0436 461 390.
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 Alexandra Blair on 02 8275 1761 (please mention reference number 551549).
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
