Associate Director Investigations

Attorney-General's Department – Official; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Attorney‑General’s Department – Official in Adelaide CBD seeks a senior leader for the Associate Director, Investigations role. You will oversee specialist enforcement functions, including Investigations and Tobacco and Vaping, guiding cross‑disciplinary teams across diverse legislative schemes and risk profiles.

This is a newly created strategic role reporting to senior leadership, with a significant voice in regulatory responses and risk management within the CBS division.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in regulatory investigations and enforcement.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on complex statutory issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead Investigations and Tobacco and Vaping functions.
• Set priorities for investigative and enforcement activities.
• Provide strategic direction to senior investigators and inspectors.
• Collaborate with other regulators and agencies on complex matters.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory investigations

Executive advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

• Lead specialist investigations with significant statutory authority
• Senior leadership role in a high-profile SA Public Sector based in Adelaide CBD
• Shape strategic regulatory strategy and responses in a newly created role

Take the lead on how South Australia responds to complexregulatory non-compliance, systemic issues and emerging risks.

As Associate Director, Investigations, you will leadthe specialist enforcement functions, including Investigations and Tobacco andVaping, integrating specialist capability across diverse legislative schemes,regulatory environments and risk profiles.

This is a newly created strategic and influential seniorleadership role, with a significant voice in how CBS responds to complexregulatory issues and emerging risks. Reporting to the AssistantCommissioner, Compliance and Enforcement, you will work closely with theCommissioner and CBS Executive, providing strategic advice on matters involvingsignificant regulatory risk, systemic harm, complex statutory interpretation,evidentiary issues, limited precedent and substantial legal, reputational orpublic interest implications.

Where you will make an impact:

Setstrategic direction for investigations and enforcement:

Set priorities and direct specialist capability across Investigations andTobacco and Vaping, responding to emerging harms, systemic issues and changingregulatory risks.

Exercisestatutory authority and lead consequential decisions:

Exercise delegated authority across investigative, protective and enforcementmatters, including prosecution-related decisions where evidence, legalrequirements, proportionality and public interest must be balanced.

Strengthenregulatory governance and professional practice:

Set expectations for investigative planning, evidence management, statutorypowers, enforcement decisions and brief preparation, with assurance over seizedgoods, evidentiary integrity and lawful, consistent practice.

Influencecomplex and coordinated regulatory responses:

Shape responses to issues crossing legislative, industry or jurisdictionalboundaries, working with SAPOL, Crown Solicitor’s Office, regulators andgovernment agencies on intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinatedenforcement.

You will lead the Managing Investigators and Manager,Tobacco and Vaping, providing strategic direction and building capabilityacross their specialist teams of Senior Investigators, Investigators andCompliance Inspectors.

We are seeking a senior leader with strong understanding andexpertise in regulatory investigations and enforcement. Strategic leadership,executive advisory and complex regulatory problem-solving skills will bepivotal, as will be your credibility and influence across law enforcement,regulatory and government environments.

You will thrive in this role ifyou have the judgement to navigate contested evidence, complex statutoryinterpretation with limited precedent and the confidence to exercisesignificant statutory authority and make consequential decisions.

Special Conditions

• National Police Check required.
• Employment-related Screening Check required.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.
• Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
• Eligible to be appointed and exercise the powers and functions of an Authorised Officer or Inspector under relevant legislation.
• Will be authorised to issue Expiation Notices under relevant legislation.

For more information, please see attached Job & Person Specification

The Attorney‑General’s Department (AGD) is a key portfolio within the South Australian Government, employing more than 1,900 staff. AGD delivers high‑level legal services and advice to Ministers and government agencies, provides specialist policy support, oversees regulation and compliance functions, and delivers essential services directly to the community.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) is a division of the Attorney-General’s Department and is responsible for protecting consumers, supporting and regulating businesses and recording significant life events for South Australians. CBS is customer focused and flexible in its activities, providing accessible information and services.

Contact Us

Enquiries to Ben Broyd, AC, Compliance, Enforcement and Advice

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time.Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.