Pursue fairness for the people of NSW!
Vacancy:
Senior Deputy Ombudsman, Complaints & Investigations, SE Band 2
Location:
Sydney CBD with hybrid and flexible working options
Employment:
Statutory Appointment (up to 5-year term with eligibility for re-appointment)
Salary Range:$305,860 - $342,014 total remuneration package
About the NSW Ombudsman
Government agencies touch and impact the lives of the people of NSW every day, and we are there to make sure those interactions are fair. Government is complex and people need to have confidence that someone is holding government agencies to account if their actions are unreasonable, wrong or unlawful.
We are that someone. We are the organisation that shines a light on serious wrong conduct in the delivery of government services. Our ultimate goal is that everyone receives the right services and fair treatment from the agencies we oversight.
Our scope is broad. We cover services for vulnerable families, including the delivery of community services funded by government; local councils; correctional and youth justice centres; education; environment protection and public transport – to name a few!
We work to help resolve problems at an individual level, as well as looking at the bigger picture to promote system improvements in public administration and in the delivery of community services. We are confident in the knowledge that our work will give voice to the individual and bring fairness and balance to how the government delivers to the public it serves.
We are committed to providing a range of career development opportunities. We aim to guide and help our people with the skills they need to lead our organisation and give the most impact to what they do.
The role
Following a period of significant growth, the NSW Ombudsman is in the final stages of developing the next strategic plan 2025-2030 with a focus on elevating our impact. This growth and new strategic direction have resulted in new executive roles, including a Senior Deputy Ombudsman (SDO) to lead the Complaints and Investigations division responsible for delivering the Ombudsman’s core statutory functions of handling and resolving complaints and investigating conduct across a diverse range of NSW public and community services. The SDO, Complaints and Investigations will play a key role in promoting fairness, accountability, and trust in the public services people rely on every day.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, the SDO, Complaints and Investigations will work closely with the Ombudsman and the broader executive to set the strategic direction and provide leadership across the Ombudsman’s Office, amplifying the impact of the work we do in pursuing fairness for the people of NSW.
This is an incredibly impactful opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader to join the NSW Ombudsman and play a key role in shaping strategic direction and organisational culture to ultimately strengthen how we support the public and improve systems across government. Key priorities will include enhancing the accessibility and visibility of our services, developing effective engagement strategies with a diverse group of stakeholders, and ensuring decisions are made with fairness, consistency, and discretion. This role calls for a senior leader who can take ownership of significant decisions, drive performance and culture across the Ombudsman’s Office, and build strong relationships both inside and outside the organisation.
About you
Our ideal candidate will have demonstrated executive leadership and strategic management experience in a dynamic multi-faceted environment, with a record of achievement in delivering services aligned to the vision and purpose of the NSW Ombudsman. Other essential requirements include:
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills with the ability to collaborate, influence and negotiate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to exercise good judgement and sound decision-making in highly sensitive and complex matters relating to public administration.
- A strong understanding of the public sector and related regulatory and statutory requirements, supported by a proven commitment to exceptional customer service.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field e.g. law, public administration, public policy or social policy.
What can we offer?
- Competitive salary and future growth opportunities within NSW Ombudsman
- Flexibility and the capacity to work in a hybrid way
- Close to public transport – office is adjacent to Town Hall Train Station
- Great team environment and culture
- Fitness passport with access to fitness facilities across NSW
Notes
- Online applications must consist of:
- Covering letter (max 2 pages) highlighting your claims for the role
- CV outlining your skills, knowledge, and experience as relevant to this role.
- The assessment process will be conducted by a standard panel assessment process.
- A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a pool of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role or similar roles, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles over the next 18 months.
- Short listed candidates will be subject to security and other vetting processes.
Employment at the NSW Ombudsman is subject to the satisfactory completion of security and related vetting including, in part, a criminal records check; signed understanding and acceptance of a range of policies; two statutory declarations relating to conflicts of interest, arrests, charges, convictions and a health declaration.
The NSW Ombudsman promotes a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people and people of all genders, and people with disability. We support flexibility and all roles advertised on a full-time basis may be considered for part-time employment.
Additional Information is available at the following links.
Role description: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/senior-deputy-ombudsman-complaints-investigations-se-band-2-523433
NSW Ombudsman Website: https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/
Closing date: Sunday 15 June 2025
For a confidential conversation about the role, or to apply, please contact Jess Lewy, Associate Partner or Felicity Stalley, Lead Partner of the Orchard Talent Group, at NSWOmbo@orchardtalent.com.au
We provide adjustments including alternative formats to the recruitment process for candidates including individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process (including alternative formats) or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact the Orchard Talent Group at NSWOmbo@orchardtalent.com.au.
The NSW Ombudsman has achieved Disability Confident Recruiter status, awarded by the Australian Disability Network. We are committed to continuing this journey through inclusive recruitment practices to ensure candidates have a positive experience in every step of the recruitment process.
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.