Director Circular Economy Policy
Join our mission to protect tomorrow together

• Lead NSW’s circular economy policy agenda, influencing legislation, regulation and reform at the highest levels of government
• Lead a high-performing team delivering strategic environmental outcomes for NSW
• Thrive in a supportive, collaborative and creative environment
• Remuneration starting from $225,628 to max $250,574 SOORT range including superannuation
• Ongoing role based in Parramatta with flexible working options

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced and strategic leader to join the EPA to lead the EPA’s Circular Economy Policy team.

In this role you will lead the development and delivery of policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks that support NSW's transition to a circular economy, delivering lasting environmental, economic and community benefits across the state.
As a key leader within the Policy, Programs and Finance Division, you will work across government, industry and the community to drive innovative policy solutions and major reform initiatives that position the EPA as a leader in environmental regulation and sustainable resource management.

About You

You are an influential and strategic leader with a demonstrated ability to shape public policy and drive complex reform in a dynamic environment.
You bring extensive experience leading the development and delivery of policy, legislative or regulatory reform, and a strong track record of providing authoritative advice to Ministers, executives and senior decision-makers.
You have exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across government, industry and community sectors, and are recognised for your ability to navigate complexity, build consensus and balance long-term strategic thinking with practical implementation and delivery.

You have experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a high-performance culture underpinned by strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving capabilities and a commitment to delivering positive environmental, economic and community outcomes.

About the Team

The Policy, Programs and Finance Division leads the NSW EPA’s strategic policy advice, program development and delivery and financial management, ensuring clear alignment with NSW Government priorities and community expectations.
The Division plays a critical role in shaping environmental policy and regulatory reform across NSW and works collaboratively with government, industry and communities to deliver innovative solutions to emerging environmental challenges.
The Circular Economy Policy team is at the forefront of designing the policies and regulatory frameworks that support the transition to a circular economy and help achieve the NSW Government's environmental priorities.

For more information read the full Director Circular Economy Policy - Band 1 - Role Description - March 2026.docx

About us

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is committed to a sustainable future as the environmental regulator for our state.
Our people are proud custodians of NSW’s natural environment. We partner with First Nations, regulated industries and the wider community to protect and restore our diverse ecosystems.

We bring our scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.
As we respond to urgent current issues, including a changing climate, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future

Why work for us?

EPA people are energised by our purpose and focussed on the environment and we invite all our team members to:

• Be part of protecting what matters – be purpose led making a meaningful impact to the environment, economy and communities delivering for a better NSW
• Do more and be inspired together – be members of Passionate united teams who protect the environment and each other through care, trust and collaboration.
• Bring who you are and grow with us - we put People first creating a culture where everyone can be themselves, respecting and developing our diverse skills & aspirations and prioritising our safety and wellbeing.

Some additional benefits to working for us include:

• A competitive salary and leave entitlements, salary packaging to save tax, fitness passport and free & confidential counselling services
• Opportunities and pathways for learning and developing your skills with access to online and face to face training and mentoring
• Flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities to make an impact and help shape the future for our environment
• Interesting and challenging work aligning with personal values that allow you to reach your full potential
• Recognition programs

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. The EPA supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

The EPA is an independent statutory authority which sits within the Department of Climate Change Environment Energy and Water (DCCEEW)

For more information on the work we do at NSW EPA, go to www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-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.

For more information about working at the EPA and what to expect in our recruitment processes, please read our Candidate Information Pack.pdf

Applications close: Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11.55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Asela Atapattu, via email Asela.atapattu@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Good to know

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.
If you are deemed as a recommended candidate following your interview, we will be inviting you to complete various background checks as part of our recruitment process before a final decision is made on the outcome of your application.
Our background checks may include, but are not limited to Reference Checks, National Police Checks, Working with Children and Medical Checks. The background checks will vary depending on the requirements of the role you have applied for and the work and environments you will be working across.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. We can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process, and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Please refer Here for more information.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing epa.recruitment@epa.nsw.gov.au and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number' in the subject.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, refer to our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our  Aboriginal Employment Pathways team for a yarn.