Ready to lead a high-performing branch at the forefront of water market reform, compliance and policy leadership?

We're seeking an accomplished executive leader who thrives in complexity and is motivated by delivering lasting outcomes for Victoria's water sector.

As Director, Water Markets Operations and Compliance, you will be a key member of the Water and Catchments Group Executive Team, providing strategic leadership across water markets, compliance, Murray-Darling Basin operations, water sharing, market reform and entitlement policy. You will lead a high-performing branch responsible for delivering critical outcomes and driving reforms that support sustainable, efficient and equitable water management across the state.

Working at the highest levels of government, you will provide trusted advice to the Minister, Secretary and DEECA Executive on complex and sensitive policy issues, while building robust partnerships with water corporations, Traditional Owners, government agencies and stakeholders across Victoria and interstate jurisdictions.

About you

To thrive in this role, you will be a respected executive leader with a track record of influencing outcomes in complex policy, regulatory or operational environments.

You will bring:

- Exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive issues.
- Demonstrated experience leading large, high-performing teams through change, reform and delivery.
- Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry and communities.
- Strong judgement and the ability to provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior decision-makers.
- Financial acumen and experience managing significant programs, budgets and competing priorities.




- A commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive and safe workplaces, and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination.

About the organisation

We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios.

Our challenge is to maintain Victoria's liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centred approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The primary work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Jesse Rose, Executive Director, Water Resources Strategy on 0401 640 *** or email **********@deeca.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday,



4 October 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

- undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
- have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
- provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance w ith the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
- provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au

📌 Director, Water Markets Operations and Compliance (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC
📍 Melbourne