Lead regulatory operations across our Regional North directorate and help create safer, healthier workplaces • Ongoing, full-time – Public Service Senior Executive Band 1 • Ability to choose work location across multiple office locations including Gosford, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Narrabri, Tamworth • Regular travel across the Regional North office locations is required, including attendance at offices and operational worksites. The role also requires routine attendance at SafeWork NSW's central offices in Haymarket and Parramatta. • Total Remuneration Package starting from $255,301, including superannuation.
Lead where safety, compliance and community outcomes intersect. Every worker deserves to return home safely. As Director Operations (Regional North), you will lead SafeWork NSW's regulatory presence across our Regional North areas overseeing a large and diverse portfolio of education, compliance and harm prevention activities. The region spans major coastal and regional areas, including Gosford, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Tamworth, Narrabri and surrounding communities, requiring strong leadership across a broad and diverse operating environment. You will guide multidisciplinary teams delivering inspections, audits, compliance initiatives and targeted interventions across a broad range of industries and workplace risks. This is a significant executive leadership role where you will combine operational excellence, regulatory leadership and strategic influence to drive safer workplaces and stronger compliance outcomes across the region.
In this role you will:
Lead regional regulatory operations across a diverse and geographically dispersed area
Drive risk-based, intelligence-led compliance and harm prevention programs
Oversee proactive inspections,



audits, education and enforcement activities
Build strong partnerships with industry, government agencies, worker representatives and regional communities
Respond to emerging risks, complex operational issues and priority workplace safety challenges
Influence strategic regulatory outcomes through collaboration across SafeWork NSW and partner agencies
Lead and develop high-performing teams while fostering a positive, accountable and inclusive culture
Provide authoritative advice on operational, regulatory and workplace safety matters to senior leaders and government stakeholders
What you'll bring
We're seeking an experienced executive leader who can deliver results in complex operational environments and lead large teams through change and competing priorities. You will bring:
Proven senior leadership experience with responsibility for operational delivery at scale
Strong experience leading teams in regulatory, compliance, enforcement, operational or service delivery environments
Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability across government, industry and community sectors
Demonstrated ability to use data, intelligence and risk insights to inform decision-making
Experience leading through complexity, managing competing priorities and allocating resources effectively
A team-oriented leadership style that builds trust, accountability and performance




Highly regarded (but not essential):
Experience within a regulator, compliance or enforcement agency
Experience leading geographically dispersed teams
Knowledge of risk-based regulatory frameworks, compliance programs or harm prevention initiatives
Ready to make a impact? This is a rare opportunity to lead large-scale regulatory operations while delivering meaningful outcomes for workers, businesses and communities across our Regional North areas.
Why join SafeWork NSW?
SafeWork NSW is the state's work health and safety regulator, working to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illness. As part of SafeWork NSW's leadership team, you will play a critical role in shaping regulatory outcomes across Northern NSW while contributing to the organisation's broader transformation as a modern, intelligence-led regulator. You'll be part of an organisation committed to:
Saving lives and preventing workplace harm
Delivering modern, risk-based regulation
Supporting regional communities and businesses
Building solid partnerships to improve safety outcomes
Creating an inclusive and high-performing workplace
Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd November **** [11:59pm]
For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Caitlin Birrell via ******.
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 ************ or ******.
For more information, please visit Information on some of the different types of disabilities Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process

📌 Director Operations - Regional North (New South Wales)
🏢 the original
📍 New South Wales