Commander Custody
* Based in Sydney and other statewide locations
* Ongoing position available
* Total Remuneration Package Range starting from $255,878 – $280,824
Your role
The Commander, Custody provides strategic, operational and cultural leadership across a region of correctional centres, ensuring safe, secure and effective custody services that meet CSNSW’s security and rehabilitation objectives. In this role, you will shape operational direction, guide centre operations to meet the unique needs of inmate cohorts, and influence critical decision‑making across the Security, Custody & Community division.
You will be accountable for driving best practice, strengthening operational performance, developing senior leaders, and stewarding significant financial and human resources. As a highly visible leader, you will promote integrity, consistency, innovation and strong governance across custodial environments, contributing directly to safer communities and improved outcomes for people in custody.
What you’ll do
As the Commander, Custody, you will:
* Lead high‑quality security and custody operations across multiple correctional centres.
* Ensure each centre’s environment, culture and programs meet the needs of its inmate cohorts.
* Provide expert strategic and operational advice on risks, issues and emerging trends.
* Contribute to statewide planning and the delivery of key strategic initiatives.
* Oversee budgets, manage financial risks and ensure effective use of resources.
* Mentor and develop senior managers, building capability and a positive workplace culture.
* Drive continuous improvement, evidence‑based practice and safer custodial environments.
* Improve operational consistency, efficiency, governance and custodial performance.
* Ensure strong compliance, ethical practice, operational reviews and business continuity.
* Build productive relationships with internal leaders, unions, NSW Police, oversight bodies, legal services and community partners.
Click here to read more about the role.
What we’re looking for
* Senior leadership experience in complex correctional or detention environments, with strong knowledge of corrections operations and the justice system.
* Proven ability to lead large, diverse and geographically dispersed teams, and develop senior leaders.
* Experience operating in high‑risk, highly regulated environments under significant public, political and media scrutiny.
* Strong strategic thinking, with a track record of driving planning, reform and continuous improvement.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills across government, oversight bodies and community partners.
* Solid financial management capability, including overseeing major budgets and ensuring responsible resource use.
* A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high‑performance environments.
We do work that really matters
Corrective Services NSW delivers professional correctional services and programs to reduce reoffending and create safer communities. We manage inmates in custody and supervise offenders in the community, working closely with courts, releasing authorities and partner agencies 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: 19 March 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 on
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.
For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.
Please note that interviews are anticipated to take place between the 8th and 17th April 2026
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.