Executive Director, Regulatory Capability
Contract type
Full Time
Location
Sydney
Industry
Public Sector & Government
Contact name
Jess Lewy
Contact email
jessica@orchardtalent.com.au
Contact phone
9157 6215
Date published
22.07.2026
Lead reform. Influence outcomes. Help create safer workplaces across NSW.
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:
About you
You are a respected executive leader with experience navigating complex operational environments and delivering strategic outcomes.
You bring:
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 submit your current resume and a cover letter (maximum four pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability for the position.
Please note: SafeWork NSW has engaged Orchard Talent Group to manage this recruitment process. Applications must be submitted to SafeWorkNSW@orchardtalent.com.au .
For a confidential discussion, please contact Felicity Stalley, Lead Partner or Jessica Lewy, Partner at SafeWorkNSW@orchardtalent.com.au.
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.
Role Description - https://app.box.com/s/tx0et8c9au6akhpd04wzuv5h50gx3mth
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 - https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/public-sector-capability-framework/resources-index/capability-application-tool
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.
View our full diversity and inclusion statement - https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/customer-service/careers/diverse-and-inclusive-workplace
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 - https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/equity-and-diversity/disability-employment/disability-training-and-resources
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/how-to-apply/adjustments-for-individual-needs
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Senior Executive Band
- 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 submit your current resume and a cover letter (maximum four pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability for the position.
Please note: SafeWork NSW has engaged Orchard Talent Group to manage this recruitment process. Applications must be submitted to SafeWorkNSW@orchardtalent.com.au .
For a confidential discussion, please contact Felicity Stalley, Lead Partner or Jessica Lewy, Partner at SafeWorkNSW@orchardtalent.com.au.
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.
Role Description - https://app.box.com/s/tx0et8c9au6akhpd04wzuv5h50gx3mth
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 - https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/public-sector-capability-framework/resources-index/capability-application-tool
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.
View our full diversity and inclusion statement - https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/customer-service/careers/diverse-and-inclusive-workplace
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 - https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/equity-and-diversity/disability-employment/disability-training-and-resources
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/how-to-apply/adjustments-for-individual-needs
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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