Head of Regulatory Services

Penrith City Council; Penrith; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Penrith City Council is seeking a visionary Head of Regulatory Services to oversee Development Compliance, Rangers and Animal Services. Reporting to the Director Planning and Regulatory Services, you will set strategic direction and governance across a broad portfolio.

You will lead regulatory services that protect community interests, support responsible development and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory, compliance or local government environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, investigative and risk-management abilities.
• Passion for delivering positive community impact while leading growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Development Compliance, Rangers and Animal Services functions.
• Provide strategic direction, governance oversight and operational leadership across a broad portfolio.
• Lead delivery of regulatory services to protect community interests and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Manage complex compliance investigations and enforcement activities.
• Collaborate with Councillors, executive leaders, government agencies and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Change management

Job description

• Location601 HIGH STREET,PENRITH, NSW, 2750,Australia
• Job CategoryRegulatory Services
• Employee TypePermanent - Full Time

Contact information

• Contact NamePhil Kerry
• Contact Phone[phone] ***
• Contact *********@k2.net.au

Application Close Date: 11:59pm on 20 November 2026

At Penrith City Council, it's not about having to choose.

Life with us is the best of both worlds.

What we offer you

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible working options available
• The best of both worlds: Meaningful work that makes a real impact on the community while supporting your career growth and wellbeing
• Opportunity to influence city-wide outcomes in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions
• Work alongside an experienced and collaborative executive leadership team
• Lead high-profile regulatory functions that directly support community safety, environmental protection and responsible development

Here’s what you’ll be up to...

This is a significant leadership role responsible for overseeing Council's Development Compliance and Rangers and Animal Services functions. Reporting to the Director Planning and Regulatory Services, you'll provide strategic direction, governance oversight and operational leadership across a broad and diverse portfolio.

You’ll lead the delivery of regulatory services that protect community interests, support responsible development and ensure compliance with legislative requirements. From managing complex compliance investigations and enforcement activities through to overseeing parking, animal management and community protection services, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining community confidence and delivering positive outcomes for our growing city.

Success in this role means balancing regulatory obligations with practical, customer-focused solutions, supporting continuous improvement and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and high performance across your teams.

You’ll also work closely with Councilors, executive leaders, government agencies, legal representatives, businesses and community stakeholders on matters that are often complex, high-profile and politically sensitive.

Who we are (And why you'll love us)

As the hiring leader, I'm looking for someone who is passionate about public service, values strong relationships and can inspire teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for our community.

You’ll join a department that plays a vital role in shaping Penrith's future through responsible development, community protection and regulatory excellence. Our leaders are empowered to think strategically, challenge the status quo and drive innovation while remaining connected to the people and communities we serve.

We’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive. We support professional development, encourage collaboration and celebrate success together. You’ll be part of a leadership team that values integrity, accountability, respect and continuous improvement while supporting each other to tackle new challenges and opportunities.

Check out ourposition descriptionto learn more about this role.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking a respected and capable leader who can bring:

• Significant leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory, compliance or local government environments, with the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and statutory requirements.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills, with experience influencing executive leaders, elected representatives, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, investigative and risk-management capabilities, with the confidence to make sound decisions in complex and sensitive environments.
• A passion for making a positive impact on the community while leading teams through growth, change and continuous improvement.

The must-know bits

You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.

Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, to progress through the recruitment process.

Ready to make work feel less like... work?

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead high-performing teams, influence strategic outcomes and leave a lasting impact on one of New South Wales' fastest-growing communities, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information, contact the Phil Kerry on 0403 195 ***.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation. For more information about this, please see our website.

At Penrith City Council, we believe the best of both worlds means embracing the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that make our City and our organisation vibrant. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported and welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

Requirements

This recruitment is being managed by an external provider.

Summary

• Lead with impact. Shape a growing city. Drive regulatory excellence.
• Executive leadership opportunity
• Strategic role influencing community outcome

Ready to lead one of the largest and most diverse regulatory portfolios in local government? As Head of Regulatory Services, you'll provide strategic leadership across Development Compliance, Rangers and Animal Services while helping shape a safe, sustainable and thriving Penrith community.