Head Of Regulatory Services

Horton International; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career growth & wellbeing

Influence city-wide outcomes

Job summary

Penrith City Council seeks a Head of Regulatory Services to lead Development Compliance, Rangers and Animal Services, driving strategic governance and operational excellence across a diverse regulatory portfolio.

You will guide complex investigations, enforcement activities and community protection services, balancing regulatory duties with practical, customer-focused solutions while fostering high performance and accountability within your teams.

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 and risk-management capabilities.
• Commitment to community safety, development and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Development Compliance and Rangers and Animal Services functions.
• Provide strategic direction, governance oversight and operational leadership across a broad portfolio.
• Lead regulatory services to protect community interests and support responsible development and compliance with legislation.
• Balance regulatory obligations with customer-focused solutions and drive continuous improvement across teams.
• Engage with Councillors, executive leaders, government agencies, businesses and community stakeholders on complex, high‑profile matters.

Skills

Leadership experience

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Change management

Job description

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.

We've got an opportunity, you've got talent... Let's talk.

At Penrith City Council, it's not about having to choose. Life with us is the best of both worlds.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.

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.

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.

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

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

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