Executive Director, Policy - The Cabinet Office NSW

Orchard Talent Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cabinet Office NSW is recruiting an Executive Director, Policy to lead policy and integrity from the heart of government. You will set the direction of research, analysis and policy development across key areas, and provide authoritative advice to the Deputy Secretary, Secretary, Premier and Cabinet.

You will drive whole-of-government policy, manage Cabinet processes, and work with Ministers and senior executives to deliver priority reform and practical solutions with industry andNGO

Responsibilities

• Lead at policy branch level, setting the direction of research, analysis and policy development across key portfolio areas.
• Provide timely, expert and authoritative advice to the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary, the Premier and Cabinet.
• Manage the Cabinet process for your portfolio areas and work with ministers and senior executives across government.
• Identify interdependencies and trade-offs between new policy and Budget proposals, offering a whole-of-government view.
• Partner with industry and non-government organisations to find practical solutions to complex and contentious issues.

Job description

Executive Director, Policy - The Cabinet Office NSW

• Lead policy, strategy and integrity from the heart of government
• Provide trusted, impartial advice to the Premier and Cabinet
• Shape policy on complex issues to improve the lives of the people of NSW

This is an opportunity to lead a policy branch at the centre of NSW Government, providing evidence-based advice on some of the most significant policy issues facing NSW. About us

The Cabinet Office operates at the heart of NSW Government, supporting the Premier and Cabinet with expert policy advice informed by data, evidence, and a focus on the bigger picture. The Cabinet Office coordinates and often leads policy reform to drive the Government’s priorities, and advances NSW’s interests at the national level through strategic advice on intergovernmental matters. The Cabinet Office is the steward of the NSW Cabinet system, promoting adherence to Cabinet conventions and good Cabinet practice to support good government decision-making.
The role
As Executive Director, Policy, you will lead at the policy branch level, setting the direction of research, analysis and policy development across key portfolio areas. You will provide timely, expert and authoritative advice to the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary, the Premier and Cabinet, and manage the Cabinet process for your portfolio areas. Working closely with the Premier, Ministers and senior executives across government, you will shape policy, legislation, programs and machinery of government arrangements that drive the Government's priorities.

You will identify the interdependencies and trade-offs between new policy and Budget proposals across portfolios, giving decision-makers a clear, whole-of-government view. When urgent issues arise, you will adjust your branch's focus quickly while continuing to deliver the Government's long-term policy agenda. You will also partner with industry and non-government organisations to find practical solutions to complex and contentious issues.

The immediate opportunity is to lead the Energy, Environment and Primary Industries branch. The branch advises on priorities including the energy transition and energy security, forestry, biosecurity, water and the environment. You will lead an established team, engaging with subject matter experts across government and offering balanced, impartial advice that weighs different perspectives.

The Cabinet Office is also seeking to develop a talent pool of senior policy leaders for Executive Director roles that may arise across its policy branches. These include:

• Energy, Environment and Primary Industries
• Planning and Housing Policy
• Economic Policy
• Human Services and Intergovernmental Relations
• Justice and Security Policy

About you

We are seeking an experienced executive leader with a strong record in public policy development and reform. You will provide balanced, evidence-based advice on complex and politically sensitive issues and bring the executive maturity to work with the Premier’s Office and ministerial offices with credibility and impartiality.

A deep understanding of Cabinet, parliamentary and Budget processes and public sector governance, or the capacity to master these quickly, will be key to your success. You will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to public value, and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry and the community.

Experience in energy, environment or primary industries policy is highly regarded for the immediate opportunity.

Additional information is available at the following links:

Role Description - https://app.box.com/s/ih9036nsoccgm080g20osvgx8ez7neog

The Cabinet Office website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/the-cabinet-office

Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026.

The Cabinet Office welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQ+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.