Assistant Commissioner, Work and Education
* Based in Sydney
* Ongoing position available
* Total Remuneration Package starting from: $301,553 to $338,972
Your role
The Assistant Commissioner, Work and Education is a senior executive leadership role within Corrective Services NSW responsible for the strategic direction, governance and performance of statewide correctional industries, inmate‐delivered services, education and vocational training programs operating within custodial environments.
The role leads large‐scale manufacturing, service and trade operations across correctional centres, ensuring people in custody have access to safe, purposeful and industry‐aligned work and accredited education that directly supports rehabilitation, strengthens employability, and improves reintegration and post‐release employment outcomes.
You will provide calm, credible and inclusive leadership across high‐risk custodial settings, balancing security, safety and public accountability with commercial viability, workforce capability and rehabilitative outcomes. The role operates at the intersection of custody, industry, education and justice, requiring sound operational judgement, strong commercial acumen and a nuanced understanding of correctional systems.
What you'll do
As the Assistant Commissioner, Work and Education you will:
* Provide strategic and operational advice to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner on all aspects of correctional industries, inmate work programs, education, vocational training and commercial performance.
* Lead and oversee statewide manufacturing, service and inmate work programs within correctional centres, ensuring alignment with custodial security requirements, WHS standards and quality assurance frameworks.
* Direct the delivery of accredited vocational education and training programs, supporting skill development, industry‐recognised qualifications and employment readiness for people in custody.
* Drive the development of new and emerging correctional industries, ensuring operations are commercially sustainable, ethically delivered and neutrally competitive with community industry sectors.
* Identify and develop innovative business models and market opportunities that provide continuous, lawful and appropriate work for inmates, while enhancing revenue generation and operational self‐sufficiency.
* Build and maintain strong partnerships with TAFE NSW, industry, other government agencies, community organisations and peak bodies to support rehabilitation outcomes and post‐release pathways.
* Provide executive leadership in procurement, contract management and provider performance, ensuring value for money and compliance with government policy.
* Ensure robust compliance with Work Health and Safety legislation across all Work & Education sites, including training, risk management and incident response in custodial settings.
* Lead workforce planning, budget management, change initiatives and system improvements across a large, dispersed correctional workforce.
* Contribute as a member of the CSNSW Senior Executive, supporting whole‐of‐agency strategy, reform, and major operational and capital investment decisions.
What we're looking for
We are seeking a senior executive leader with the credibility, judgment and experience to lead large‐scale work, industry and education functions within a custodial and justice environment.
The ideal candidate will bring:
* Demonstrated senior executive leadership experience in custodial, justice, corrections, emergency services or other high‐risk, highly regulated operational environments, with accountability for complex service delivery outcomes.
* A proven record leading large, dispersed and multidisciplinary workforces, operating in environments where safety, security, compliance and public accountability are critical.
* Experience overseeing commercial enterprises, manufacturing, service delivery, education or vocational training programs, ideally within or alongside secure or institutional settings.
* A strong understanding of how work, education and vocational training contribute to rehabilitation, reintegration, reduced reoffending and sustainable post‐release employment outcomes.
* Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within legislative, policy and governance frameworks, balancing operational demands, risk management and ethical service delivery.
* Extensive experience in procurement, contract and provider management, including managing complex relationships with public, private and community sector partners.
* A track record delivering large‐scale reform and continuous improvement while maintaining operational continuity, workforce engagement and safety.
* Highly developed stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage sensitive relationships involving industry, unions, community organisations and government agencies.
* Strong commercial, analytical and strategic capability, with the judgement required to lead in custodial, justice and public sector contexts.
* A values‐led, resilient and decisive leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability and sound judgement under pressure, and who is deeply committed to public safety, staff wellbeing and reducing reoffending.
Please click HERE to read more about the role
We do work that really matters
Corrective Services NSW delivers professional correctional services and programs to reduce reoffending and create safer communities. We manage people in custody across NSW and supervise offenders in the community, working in partnership with courts, releasing authorities and service providers to support rehabilitation, reintegration and community safety.
Are you ready to join us?
Click Apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and an up‐to‐date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close: Sunday 24 May 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)
Got a question?
If you would benefit from an adjustment during the recruitment process or wish to discuss alternate application methods, please contact: DCJ Senior Executive Recruitment Team
Inclusion and Diversity
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, LGBTIQ+ people and carers.
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.