Job Description

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies.

• Lead the operational and policy reforms that will help deliver housing, renewable energy and major project outcomes across NSW.
• Ongoing full-time role available, Parramatta location with flexible and hybrid working arrangements supported (location negotiable)
• TRP from $317K to $355K including superannuation, commensurate with experience

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is seeking an accomplished and influential executive leader to join us as Executive Director, Operations and Assessment Policy.

This is an opportunity to lead the delivery of an integrated operational framework for Development Assessment and Sustainability during a pivotal period of planning reform in NSW.

You'll provide authoritative strategic advice on complex planning, policy and operational matters, influencing government decision-making and helping deliver housing, mining and renewable energy priorities across the state.

About the Role

As Executive Director, you'll lead the translation of legislation and policy into assessment practices, systems, approval pathways and compliance activities that support consistent decision-making and effective development outcomes across NSW.

You'll provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio, ensuring operational delivery aligns with Government priorities and planning reform objectives.

You'll lead complex planning policy, regulatory and digital transformation initiatives while managing competing priorities, stakeholder interests and high-profile issues. Working closely with senior government leaders, you'll drive planning reform, oversee critical relationships with key agencies and regulators, and champion innovative digital solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system.

About you:

• An experienced executive leader with a strong understanding of government, planning, regulatory or policy environments.
• Significant experience leading large and complex teams, programs and resources to achieve strategic organisational objectives.
• Strong strategic judgement and the ability to navigate complex, high-profile and politically sensitive issues involving competing stakeholder interests.
• A highly influential communicator and negotiator who can build trusted partnerships across government, industry and the community.
• Experience leading organisational change, reform programs, operational delivery or major transformation initiatives.
• A collaborative people leader who inspires direction, develops capability and delivers sustainable business outcomes.

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualification in a related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Director Operations and Assessment Policy DAS

About Us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively; and deliver affordable and diverse housing.

We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve while building the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Applications close on Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 11:55pm.

Join us

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and cover letter and join us in leading reforms that will influence the future of planning in NSW, support housing delivery, enable the energy transition and create lasting outcomes for communities across the state.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer, Talent Acquisition Partner via matthew.dwyer@dphi.nsw.gov.au

A talent 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.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.