Manager Policy – Talent Pool

Peel; Western Australia; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking an experienced Manager Policy (Level 7) to lead a high‑performing policy team in Western Australia. The role focuses on developing, implementing and reviewing complex policy, while delivering strategic advice and governance across government and industry.

You will supervise policy professionals, influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement to support sustainable environmental outcomes for WA.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and develop professional teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Ability to build an inclusive workplace culture where people feel supported and empowered.
• Strong direction during change, competing priorities and emerging challenges.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide credible advice.
• Drive organisational outcomes through planning, prioritisation and decision-making.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement in policy development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Provide high-quality policy analysis, advice and recommendations on complex issues.
• Manage complex policy programs, projects and work priorities with effective governance.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across government, industry and community.
• Represent DWER in consultations, working groups, committees and interagency forums.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities to support coordinated policy outcomes.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring and capability development.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in policy development and service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Join Us in Shaping Western Australia's Future

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re not just hiring, we’re building the future. As Western Australia embarks on a bold agenda to remain the strongest economy in the nation, we play a critical role in delivering on government priorities: supporting sustainable development across the state, enabling renewable energy, protecting our environment, and securing our water future.

We are an influential and future-focused organisation, working at the intersection of science, policy, and community. We’re guided by good science, cultural knowledge, and a values-based culture that reflects who we are and how we go about our work.

If you're driven to make a real impact, whether it's supporting industry transformation, driving innovation in environmental regulation, enabling clean energy, or restoring waterways we invite you to bring your talent, your ideas, and your commitment to a team that’s delivering for today and planning for tomorrow.

Be part of something bigger. Be part of DWER.

We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference

Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au

The Opportunity:

Are you an experienced people leader with a passion for developing policy that delivers meaningful outcomes for Western Australia?

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking to establish a pool of talented and motivated professionals for the position of Manager Policy (Level 7).

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of policy professionals, influence strategic decision-making, and contribute to initiatives that support the sustainable management of Western Australia's environment and natural resources.

About the Role

As Manager Policy, you will lead the development, implementation and review of complex policy, strategic and legislative initiatives that support government priorities and organisational objectives. You will provide high-quality strategic advice, manage competing priorities, and foster productive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Working collaboratively across government, industry and the community, you will contribute to the delivery of complex projects and policy outcomes that have a lasting impact on Western Australia.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Provide high-quality policy analysis, advice and recommendations on complex and emerging issues.
• Manage complex policy programs, projects and work priorities, ensuring effective governance and delivery.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across government, industry and community sectors.
• Represent DWER in consultations, working groups, committees and interagency forums.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities to support coordinated policy outcomes.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring and capability development.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in policy development and service delivery.

About You

This role will suit an established leader who enjoys developing people, building capability and creating a positive team culture. You understand that strong outcomes are achieved through strong leadership, and you lead by example, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

You have a demonstrated ability to:

• Lead, coach and develop professional teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Build an inclusive workplace culture where people feel supported, valued and empowered to contribute.
• Provide clear direction while navigating change, competing priorities and emerging challenges.
• Influence and engage senior stakeholders, building confidence through sound judgement and credible advice.
• Drive organisational outcomes through effective planning, prioritisation and decision-making.
• Encourage innovation, continuous improvement and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Leadership Expectations

At DWER, every employee is a leader. The WA Public Sector Commission's Leadership Expectations framework outlines the behaviours expected of leaders across the Western Australian public sector and supports individual, team and organisational success.

As a Leading Others leader, you will create an environment where people can thrive, build capability within your team, foster productive relationships, and lead the delivery of strategic outcomes. Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience leading people, navigating complexity, and achieving results through collaboration and influence.

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we are committed to fostering a modern workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration, and wellbeing.

Our flexible work arrangements include options for alternative work locations and adaptable schedules, designed to accommodate a variety of professional and personal needs.

We recognise that effective work can happen in different settings, and our approach reflects this, enabling staff to contribute meaningfully while maintaining balance and resilience.

We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and valued. We recognise the unique skills, perspectives and experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and young people bring to our workforce, and we encourage applications from these groups.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Join us and be part of a department that values innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of work.

Access Needs

We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:

• TTY/voice calls - 133 677
• Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727
• SMS relay - 0423 677 767

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at [e-mail] or on [phone].

This pool will operate for a period of 6 months with vacancies being offered at part or full time on a permanent or fixed term contract basis with the possibility of extension or permanency. Pool applicants do not hold a right of review against appointment decisions made from the pool.

CLOSING DATE: 4pm Friday 20 November 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time)

Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.

Please Note:

• To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.
• DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check.