Director of Harm Prevention & Regulatory Strategy

SafeWork NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 230,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

SafeWork NSW is seeking a Director Specialist Harm Prevention to lead expert technical teams delivering regulatory responses to harms and hazards, focusing on prevention, early intervention and outcomes for workers and employers across NSW.

You will operate at the intersection of regulation, compliance and stakeholder engagement, exercising sound judgement and building trustworthy relationships in a high‑profile, sensitive environment.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in work health and safety, regulation or compliance.
• Strong understanding of risk-based regulation and evidence-informed harm prevention approaches.
• Ability to operate in high-risk, politically visible environments with integrity.
• Experience influencing diverse stakeholders with competing perspectives and priorities.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust and capability across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead specialist harm functions with a contemporary risk-based regulatory approach.
• Oversee the design and delivery of targeted harm prevention regulatory programs.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and external stakeholders on regulatory matters.
• Build productive relationships with workers, employers, unions, health professionals and government partners.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams in an inclusive, high-profile environment.

Skills

Senior leadership

Regulation

Stakeholder engagement

Risk-based regulation

Public sector governance

Education

Tertiary qualifications or equivalent

Job description

SafeWork NSW is seeking a Director Specialist Harm Prevention to lead expert technical teams delivering regulatory responses to harms and hazards, focusing on prevention, early intervention and outcomes for workers and employers across NSW.

You will operate at the intersection of regulation, compliance and stakeholder engagement, exercising sound judgement and building trustworthy relationships in a high‑profile, sensitive environment.