Policy Manager

NSW Department of Customer Service; City of Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The NSW Department of Customer Service is seeking a strategic, outcomes‑focused leader to oversee complex policy reforms and help shape national policy that impacts NSW. The role sits in the Building Commission NSW Policy Team within the department.

You will shape building industry regulation and lead strategic advice to the NSW Government to support housing targets and raise standards across residential construction, driving reforms that benefit communities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading policy development or strategic reform within a regulatory environment.
• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in policy, law, social sciences, economics, research or management.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and implementation of complex policy and legislative projects.
• Providing high‑level policy and strategic advice to senior executives, Ministers and key government stakeholders.
• Managing consultation processes and stakeholder engagement to deliver evidence‑based policy outcomes.
• Representing Building Commission NSW on interagency working groups, committees and external forums.
• Building and managing a high‑performing team, including coaching and developing staff.
• Delivering high‑quality research, analysis and policy advice within tight timeframes.
• Driving continuous improvement and supporting best‑practice approaches to policy development across the Branch.

Job description

• Full-Time (35hpw) Temporary to June 2028
• Salary Range $154,231 - $178,369pa + super + leave loading
• Parramatta, Gosford, Sydney CBD location or other regional locations considered
• Office attendance required 2 - 3 days per week with hybrid work arrangements

The role sits within the Building Commission NSW Policy Team in the Department of Customer Service

We are seeking a strategic, outcomes-focused leader to oversee complex policy reforms and help shape national policy that impacts NSW.

You will play a key role in shaping building industry regulation and leading strategic advice to the NSW Government in support of NSW Government housing targets and achieving Building Commission NSW' mission to raise the standards of residential construction.

About Building Commission NSW

Building Commission NSW was established after the NSW Government recognised the substantial progress made by Fair Trading and the Office of the Building Commissioner in delivering once-in-a-generation reforms of the building and construction industry. The commission is not only the industry regulator, but also a collaborator with consumers and industry to ensure standards, capabilities, capacity and resilience continue to be lifted across the sector to deliver quality homes and meet the state's housing targets.

Those who join the organisation can be confident they are contributing to meaningful work that positively impacts the built environment and the greater community, making it an exciting and fulfilling place to build a career.

About the team

We are looking for driven and passionate people who want to make a difference to the NSW building industry and the lives of consumers. If you have an interest in public policy or building regulation, come join us in the Building Policy team.

The Building Policy team is responsible for delivering law reform and strategic policy to progress the NSW Government's building agenda. To deliver these reforms the Building Policy team engages with a wide range of stakeholders across industry, the community, and other government agencies to develop a comprehensive evidence base to inform Government decisions on housing and building industry issues.

If you're someone who:

• Thinks deeply about the needs of people and communities,
• Is motivated by great outcomes, not just processes, and
• Wants to be part of an organisation that's transforming how regulation works -

…then there's a place for you in our future!

About the role

You will play a key role in shaping building industry regulation, leading strategic advice to the NSW Government and representing NSW interests in national forums.

Your responsibilities will Include:

• Leading the development and implementation of complex policy and legislative projects.
• Providing high‑level policy and strategic advice to senior executives, Ministers and key government stakeholders.
• Managing consultation processes and stakeholder engagement to deliver robust, evidence‑based policy outcomes.
• Representing Building Commission NSW on interagency working groups, committees and external forums.
• Building and managing a high‑performing team, including coaching and developing staff.
• Delivering high‑quality research, analysis and policy advice within tight timeframes.
• Driving continuous improvement and supporting best‑practice approaches to policy development across the Branch.

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Experience leading policy development, legislative change or strategic reform within a regulatory environment, and providing thought leadership on key policy issues.
• Experience in building and leading collaborative, high‑performing teams in complex and fast‑paced settings.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with the ability to interpret evidence and apply legislative or regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build relationships.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to shape policy outcomes.
• Sound understanding of government policy and processes
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in policy, law, social sciences, economics, research or management.
• A proactive, organised and adaptable approach, with the confidence to respond quickly to changing priorities.
• A background in building or planning regulation is highly desirable.

Closing Date: 11:59pm Wednesday 21st October 2026

Careers at Department of Customer Service

A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace

The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

We provide adjustments to the recruitment process for candidates, including individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, including alternate formats or have questions about the support available, please contact Talent Operations on 02 8276 8130 or [e-mail].