Executive Director State-Wide Delivery

• Opportunity to join the senior leadership team and shape the future of this key WA Government agency.
• During a period of significant reform, the Approvals portfolio will deliver a strengthened framework to uphold the highest possible standards of environmental protection and ensure WA's economy continues to grow through investment and job creation.

The Organisation
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is the primary water and environmental regulator in Western Australia. It is headquartered in Joondalup and employs approximately 1200 staff across the state. The department’s vision is to create a low-carbon Western Australia with a healthy environment and secure resources for future generations.
The department is embarking on a major multi-year reform agenda that has been informed by Government’s key strategic priorities and the findings of the Agency Capability Review. This agenda focuses on several key areas such as;

• Supporting the Approvals reform
• Major project assessment and assurance
• Climate action
• Green energy
• New water legislation
• A nature positive future
• Embedding First Nations knowledge and insights in all facets of decision making

The strategic plan and associated reform agenda are being enabled by a new portfolio operating model focused on Approvals, Climate and Sustainability, and Strategy and Performance. The three Deputy Director Generals are responsible for the leading the portfolios, and together with the Director General oversee the strategy and leadership of the department, forming the Corporate Executive.
The newly created Approvals Portfolio leads the provision of regulatory services across the Department and is tasked with the delivery of a world class approvals system that is customer and outcomes focused, risk-based, digital and efficient.
The department’s transformational programs in financial, digital and people management will also build organisational capability to keep pace with providing highest quality services to people both within and outside the department.
Our culture is our strength, while working at the Department you will develop a collegiate network of innovative professionals in environmental science and environmental protection. Our diversity in leadership, diverse and inclusive culture creates a rich and rewarding experience, strengthened by our authentic engagement with our state’s First Nations peoples which informs our ways of working and the Department’s vision.
The Department’s shapes our focus on how we work together and our performance on commitments is available in our .
The Opportunity
With a range of recently announced reforms by the Premier, combined with major whole of government programs such as Streamline WA, the Approvals Portfolio is delivering a major high profile reform agenda.
The Approvals Portfolio provides confidence to all Western Australians, including First Nations Australians, that the state’s water and environmental resources are being protected and sustained into the future through transparent, integrated and inclusive impact assessment and assurance practices underpinned by the best available science and policies.
The Executive Director State-wide Delivery is a newly created high profile leadership role. The Executive Director is responsible for delivery of key regulatory matters such as water licensing, clearing permits and industry environmental regulation.
This role partners with the Deputy Director General Approvals in leading the provision of the Department’s state-wide place based services that are integrated, efficient, risk based, and customer focused. The Senior Leadership team are empowered and will contribute significantly to improve outcomes for all Western Australians. You will foster strong relationships with all stakeholders and maximise the value of the Department’s regional presence.
Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of . Leadership in this context is about shaping complex initiatives covering multiple business areas as well as having a key responsibility in corporate governance.
Leadership and innovation is required to build the business area, with alignment to government priorities, and the Department’s strategic direction in a range of complex initiatives. Leading and forming a culture of high performance in a regional community context, embedding the Portfolio vision and purpose is a key priority.
To be successful in the role, you will need to demonstrate:

• A solid understanding of climate, environment, water, and sustainability issues.
• Core leadership behaviours in the context of an

. * Experience in shaping large scale, complex initiatives while balancing the requirement to deliver both short- and long-term strategic goals in a resource-constrained environment.

• Evidence of your ability to secure buy-in and support from key internal clients and external stakeholders in complex and ambiguous internal and external contexts.
• Experience in the ability to balance both vertical and horizontal responsibilities in and across the department, being accountable for the business area you lead as well as for redefining and shaping the department.

The attached Job Description provides more information about the position. For further job-related information, please contact Ms Denise Wetherall, National General Manager, Government, Beilby Downing Teal on 0408 000 109 or via email at
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this opportunity, please apply online by clicking “Apply for the job” button and provide the following in Word or PDF format:

• A covering letter that details your experience relevant to this opportunity.
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact details for two (2) referees – one preferred to be your current supervisor.

Please Note:

• To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.
• DWER conducts employment screening which may include a National Criminal History check.
• Interviews will look to be scheduled at the end of January 2024.

For technical difficulties while applying online or information about the application process, please contact us for assistance on (08) 6364 7550 or at – email address not to be used for submission of applications.
Access Needs
We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:

• TTY/voice calls – 133 677
• Speak & Listen – 1300 555 727
• SMS relay – 0423 677 767

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at or on (08) 6364 7550.
This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next twelve (12) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of Commissioner's Instruction 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
CLOSING DATE: 5pm, 12th of January 2024 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.