Director, Specialist Harm Prevention – SafeWork NSW 

SafeWork NSW – Lead a team that assists protect workers and shapes safer industries across NSW 

• Senior Executive Band 1 
  
• Ongoing, full‑time | Sydney (flexible working available) 
  
• Total Remuneration Package starting from $247,865 p.a. (incl. super)

 Make a real impact where it matters most 

Every worker deserves to get home safely — and this role leads the teams who make that possible. 

As our next Director Specialist Harm Prevention, you will set the strategy that drives down serious and fatal incidents across NSW workplaces. You will lead expert teams of engineers, occupational hygienists, chemical specialists and technical regulators who look to you to guide how we respond to emerging risks and high‑hazard industries. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape safety outcomes at scale — influencing government decisions, partnering with industries, and leading innovative, risk‑based compliance approaches that change behaviour and prevent harm. 

What you’ll lead 
In this role you will: 

• Design and deliver specialist harm‑prevention programs that target high‑risk industries and emerging hazards. 
  
• Use data, intelligence and behavioural insights to shape modern, targeted regulatory interventions. 
  
• Build strong partnerships with industry leaders, co‑regulators and government to improve safety outcomes across NSW. 
  
• Provide authoritative advice on critical incidents, sector risks, compliance issues and strategic policy. 
  
• Lead, coach and inspire a diverse team of specialists — setting the direction and empowering high performance. 
  
• Champion innovation in how SafeWork NSW regulates, communicates and engages with employers and workers. 

What you’ll bring 
We’re looking for a leader who can drive strategy, influence stakeholders and lead specialist teams in complex environments. 

You will have: 

• Senior leadership experience in a risk, safety, regulatory, compliance, engineering, industry, or public value context. 
  
• Deep understanding of risk management and evidence‑based decision‑making. 
  
• Strong capability to influence, negotiate and lead change at senior levels. 
  
• Experience delivering complex programs in environments with competing priorities. 
  
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, momentum, and positive culture. 

You don’t need to have worked in a regulator before — what matters is your ability to lead experts, apply risk intelligence, and deliver system‑level change.

Why join SafeWork NSW? 
SafeWork NSW is the state’s work health and safety regulator. Our purpose is to protect workers by preventing and reducing work-related fatalities, serious injuries and illness and by securing compliance with work health and safety legislation. 

SafeWork NSW is undertaking a significant program of transformation as we strengthen our capability and mature our operating model as a modern, trusted and standalone regulator. 

You’ll be part of a mission‑driven organisation committed to: 

• Saving lives and preventing serious harm 
  
• Using data and innovation to modernise regulatory practice 
  
• Partnering with industry to solve real problems 
  
• Supporting flexible, hybrid work 
  
• Building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve 
  

This is a high‑impact senior executive role where your leadership will directly improve safety outcomes for millions of workers across NSW.

Ready to lead one of NSW’s most influential harm‑prevention portfolios?

Apply with your resume and a short cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role’s requirements.

Click Here to access the Role Description. For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Caitlin Birrell via [email protected].

Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.

Closing Date: Tuesday 10 February 2026 at 9:59am

Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW.  We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace   

The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.

We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact [email protected] or 02 9494 8351.

For more information, please visit

Information on some of the different types of disabilities

Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process