* Lead regulatory responses to psychosocial harm and recovery at work
* Public Service Senior Executive Band 1
* Ongoing, full‐time
* Sydney (flexible working arrangements available)
* Total remuneration package starting from $255,000 per annum, to be commensurate with experience
Make a real impact where it matters most
Workplace mental health, psychosocial harm, return to work and recovery after injury are among the most complex and significant challenges facing modern regulators.
As Director Psychosocial, Return to Work & Regulatory Engagement, you will lead the delivery of SafeWork NSW's response to psychosocial risk and recovery at work—including how we prevent harm, intervene early and support better outcomes for workers and employers across NSW.
This is a high‐impact senior executive role operating at the intersection of regulation, psychosocial risk compliance and worker and employer engagement, requiring strong judgement, influence and a deep commitment to public value.
What you'll lead
In this role, you will:
* Lead the delivery of SafeWork NSW's psychosocial, return‐to‐work and regulatory engagement functions, ensuring a contemporary, risk‐based approach to harm prevention and compliance.
* Support the design and delivery of targeted regulatory programs addressing psychosocial hazards, workplace mental health and recovery outcomes, particularly in high‐risk or complex environments.
* Oversee frontline advisory, intake and triage functions to ensure timely, proportionate and consistent regulatory responses to incidents, reports and service requests.
* Establish strong governance, assurance and operational standards that lift regulatory capability, consistency and confidence across psychosocial and return‐to‐work activities.
* Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders, government and external stakeholders on psychosocial risk management, recovery strategies and regulatory practice.
* Build productive relationships with workers, employers, unions, health professionals and government partners to support early intervention, capability uplift and shared solutions.
* Lead and develop high‐performing teams, fostering an inclusive, accountable culture in a sensitive, high‐profile and often contested regulatory environment.
What you'll bring
We're looking for a senior leader who combines regulatory expertise, credibility and strong people leadership.
You will bring:
* Significant senior leadership experience in work health and safety, psychosocial risk, return to work, regulation or compliance, or a closely related field.
* Strong understanding of risk‐based regulation and the application of evidence‐informed approaches to complex harm prevention challenges.
* Proven ability to operate confidently in high‐risk, sensitive and politically visible environments, exercising sound judgement and integrity.
* Experience influencing and partnering with diverse stakeholders with competing perspectives and priorities.
* A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, capability and consistency across multidisciplinary teams.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent senior‐level experience.
Experience within a regulator is not essential—what matters is your ability to lead complex regulatory interventions and deliver better outcomes for workers and workplaces.
Why join SafeWork NSW?
SafeWork NSW is the state's work health and safety regulator. Our purpose is to protect workers by preventing and reducing work‐related fatalities, serious injuries and illness and by securing compliance with work health and safety legislation.
We are progressing a significant transformation as a modern, trusted and standalone regulator. This role offers the opportunity to:
* Influence how NSW responds to psychosocial harm and recovery at work
* Shape regulatory practice in an evolving and high‐impact policy area
* Lead meaningful, purpose‐driven work with system‐wide impact
* Be part of an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve
Interested?
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with this role, combined into a single document and uploaded via the CV/Resume section of the application system.
Click Here to access the Role Description. For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Caitlin Birrell via .
Closing Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 9:59am
Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.
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.
You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.
We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact or 02 9494 8351.
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