Executive Director, Office of Waste Reduction & Recycling
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About the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) recognises the enormous value that a clean environment, innovative society and economy, and a diverse and inclusive culture makes to Queenslanders’ lives. As a diverse organisation, the department brings together environment, heritage protection, national parks, tourism, science and innovation to help achieve government objectives for a better Queensland.
DETSI values and is committed to:
* Building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
* Strengthening our culture which values results, professional growth, workforce diversity and a healthy balance between work and life commitments.
* Encouraging and supporting employees as individuals in an inclusive environment, embracing our differences and applying diverse and inclusive thinking to our business.
* Upholding the values of the Queensland Public Sector: customers first; ideas into action; unleash potential; be courageous; and empower people.
About the Role
Queensland is preparing to implement a renewed waste strategy focused on stronger targets, clearer roles, and improved regional outcomes. Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs, as Executive Director, Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, you will shape a system that keeps materials in use for longer, reduces pressure on landfill, and supports job creation through new processing, manufacturing and market opportunities.
You will help determine the waste reduction and resource recovery system delivering the government’s Waste Strategy, oversee the administration of the Queensland waste levy, and guide investment from the $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund. This is essential to building confidence in the system, reducing waste to landfill, and enabling regional and industry-led innovation.
With more than 50 FTE, you will lead the coordination of policy, programs, data and evaluation that support stronger recovery of valuable materials, community engagement, and long-term economic benefits.
About You
To be successful in this role you will be a senior executive leader who can shape strategic direction, champion innovation in waste reduction, and deliver sustainable environmental and commercial outcomes.
* You will deliver policy and programs that maximise recovery, reuse and recycling of resources across Queensland, ensuring implementation includes diverse, economic, social, cultural and environmental perspectives.
* Interpret and utilise data to inform strategic decision making and steer policy and program direction in a high-profile portfolio
* Develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including industry, councils, the community and all levels of government
* You will lead large scale investment and reform initiatives with strong governance and accountability
* Build and inspire high performing teams through inclusive, purposeful leadership
You possess:
* Senior leadership experience in government, the waste and/or recycling industry, or a similar complex setting
* A strong understanding of Queensland’s waste management and resource recovery sector, sustainable resource management, environmental policy or economic reform
* Proven business acumen and commercial insight, with a strong track record in identifying tangible business opportunities, delivering system change, and successfully managing investment programs
* Strong networks, or the ability to rapidly develop, with key stakeholders, with the ability to form enduring partnerships, and effectively lead high level negotiations
* Demonstrate your strong understanding of governance, risk management, and strategy, policy and legislative development, particularly in a government context, drawing on relevant experience from your previous roles.
How to Apply
Please visit the detailed candidate page for further information and to apply: www.luminarypartners.com.au/waste
The Department offers priority consideration to those who live with disability or identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, provided you meet the minimum requirements for the role you will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.
This role offers a Total Fixed Remuneration salary of $294,256 - $313,459 (SES3H) package per year.
Confidential inquiries to Kerry Larkin, Senior Associate, Luminary, on 0404 095 421 or via email kerry.larkin@luminarypartners.com.au ,
General inquiries to luminary@luminarypartners.com.au
Applications close: Midnight, Thursday 24th July 2025
Luminary is committed to storing and utilising your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For further information regarding this please visit: https://www.luminarypartners.com.au/privacy-policy
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