Job Description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location Sydney/Parramatta, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $173,121 to $191,993 + super

The team within the DCCEEW Water Group is seeking to appoint an Executive Manager to provide high-level executive support and strategic advice. Reporting to the Director, Statutory Compliance, Planning and Engagement, this role leads a small team and supports the Deputy Secretary, Water Group. You will manage executive, corporate and ministerial functions that keep the Deputy Secretary informed and responsive, provide trusted advice on complex and sensitive matters, and lead the community of practice for the Executive Officers across the Water Group. This is a pivotal role within the high-performing governance, business planning and engagement branch.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Director Statutory Compliance Planning and Engagement you will lead and manage the day-to-day support for the Deputy Secretary, delivering high-quality executive, corporate and ministerial support services and leading the Executive Officers community of practice for the Water Group.
• Lead, develop and support a small team, building capability and a high-performing, service-focused culture across the Water Group
• Partner with the management team within the Statutory Compliance, Planning and Engagement branch to provide timely, well-informed strategic advice to the Deputy Secretary on complex, high-profile issues, reforms and priorities spanning the Group’s functions
• Coordinate and oversee responses to Ministerial, Secretary and cross-agency requests, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and alignment with government protocols
• Lead the preparation and quality assurance of key materials including Ministerial briefings, Parliamentary Questions, House Notes and committee documentation
• Manage emerging and sensitive issues, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and stakeholders to develop sound, timely solutions
• Drive effective communication across the Water Group, supporting a culture of continuous improvement, engagement and alignment to public sector values
• Develop and implement improved processes and systems to enhance ministerial and executive correspondence and workflow management

Key Challenges

• Operating in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Managing highly confidential, politically sensitive and potentially contentious information with sound judgement and discretion
• Navigating complex government, inter-agency and Cabinet processes to deliver accurate, high-quality advice

About You

• You are an experienced senior executive support or executive management professional with a strong background in government or similarly complex environments
• You have strong knowledge of government protocols, including Ministerial and Cabinet processes, and can apply these effectively
• You have a proven ability to provide high-level advice on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters
• You exercise sound judgement, integrity and discretion, particularly when handling confidential or politically sensitive information
• You are highly organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure
• You are an effective communicator and influencer, able to build strong relationships and work with senior stakeholders
• You are solutions-focused with a can-do attitude who has the ability to identify improvements, leading and driving performance within the team and across the executive support functions for the Water Group.
• You demonstrate strong leadership capability, with experience directly managing and developing staff and supporting high performance

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in relevant field

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Manager, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Water

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 Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Natalie Sommerville via natalie.sommerville@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

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?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

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 Amanda Tantzaris on 02 8274 1128 (please mention reference number 550579).

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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