Principal Inspector

NSW Department of Customer Service; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Customer Service – Sydney CBD NSW is seeking a Principal Inspector for the Office of the Rental Commissioner. The role leads a team of compliance officers to target high-risk tenancy breaches and strengthen regulatory outcomes under the Residential Tenancies Act.

This ongoing full-time position requires government investigations experience, strong stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to report outcomes to executives.

Qualifications

• Experience in Government Investigations or willingness to complete required training.
• Experience in leading teams in operational and compliance environments.
• Ability to coordinate logistics across multiple areas of compliance.
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills to partner with internal stakeholders.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of compliance officers to target high-risk tenancy breaches.
• Develop and coordinate compliance and enforcement programs using a risk-based approach.
• Prepare evidence and issue enforcement actions for breaches of tenancy or related laws.
• Investigate tenant complaints regarding unsafe conditions, evictions, and maintenance issues.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections, breaches and enforcement outcomes.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Govern­ment investigations

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Job description

NSW Department of Customer Service – Sydney CBD NSW

Principal Inspector - Office of the Rental Commissioner

Grade: Clerk Grade 9/10 ($133,348 - $146,945 + super)
Duration: Ongoing full-time
Location: Sydney (McKell) and or Paramatta- Requirement for 2-3 days in either office
NSW Fair Trading, Office of the Rental Commissioner

About the team:

Are you passionate about creating a fair, quality and affordable rental market in NSW? Do you have experience leading teams and driving compliance in complex environments? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

NSW Fair Trading is seeking an experienced principal inspector in the NSW Rental Taskforce. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead key compliance and enforcement operations to strengthen the rental market and ensure compliance under the Residential Tenancies Act and other relevant legislation administered by NSW Fair Trading. You will lead a team of compliance officers to target high risk breaches of tenancy law and improve confidence in the rental sector in NSW.

About you:

• Develop and coordinate compliance and enforcement programs using a risk based regulatory approach
• Providing specialist compliance advice and assistance in developing information and education materials
• Prepare evidence and issue enforcement action for breaches of tenancy or related laws.
• Investigate complaints from tenants regarding unsafe conditions, unlawful evictions, poor maintenance and other breaches under the law.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections, compliance breaches, and enforcement actions and outcomes.
• Coordinate, collect and use intelligence and data to inform operations.
• Prepare reports and presentations on tactical operations, outcomes and trends for executives and key stakeholders
• Contribute to an end-to-end regulatory response working with multi-disciplinary teams for shared goals and outcomes
• Participate in community outreach programs, workshops, and public forums to inform stakeholders about rental property regulations and work underway.
• Coach and mentor a team of compliance officers to support a high preforming team

To be successful you will need to:

• Experience in Government Investigations or willingness to complete required training
• Experience in leading teams in operational and compliance environments
• Have a strong ability to coordinate logistics across multiple areas of compliance.
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills to successfully partner with and manage internal stakeholder relationships.
• Engage in continuous professional development and training to stay updated on the latest compliance standards and inspection techniques.

Salary Grade 9/10, with the base salary for this role starting at 133,348 base plus superannuation

Closing Date: Thursday 1st October 2026 (11:59am)

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.

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