Shape your world. Shape how NSW grows—and how we work together to deliver it
- Be at the forefront of once-in-a-generation planning reform
- Permanent full-time opportunity
- Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported
- TRP from $410,276 to $460,168 including superannuation, commensurate with experience
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the NSW Government’s most high-impact portfolios—at the centre of decisions that will define how communities grow, how housing is delivered, and how infrastructure is realised across the state.
As Deputy Secretary, you will influence the most significant development decisions in NSW while driving system-wide reform to deliver faster, more consistent and outcomes-focused planning.
Hear more about the Deputy Secretary Development Assessment and Sustainability role and its lasting impact from our Secretary, Kiersten Fishburn.
The role
You will lead a large, complex division responsible for development assessment, state significant development and infrastructure approvals, post-approval and compliance across NSW.
As the delegated decision-maker for some of NSW’s most significant and complex developments, you will make confident and technically robust decisions and lead high-profile programs and authorities, including the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority, strengthening coordination across government departments, streamlining pathways and improving system performance. You will set clear strategic direction across a high-performing executive team, aligning priorities across multiple functions and driving consistent, high-quality performance.
This role brings together policy, technical expertise and executive leadership to modernise the planning system, strengthening consistency, coordination, timeliness and performance.
Key accountabilities include:
- Provide trusted, strategic advice to Ministers, Cabinet and senior government leaders
- Lead and align a large executive cohort to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes
- Exercise statutory decision-making authority on complex, high-value proposals
- Drive major programs and reforms that enable housing and infrastructure delivery
- Strengthen cross-government coordination and system performance
- Embed evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement
- Build a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven culture
For more information about this position, read the full Role Description: Deputy Secretary Development Assessment and Sustainability
What You Bring
You are a transformational, strategic executive with the ability to operate confidently in complex, high-pressure environments. You balance technical expertise with leadership, and you care about building capable teams, strong culture and an environment where people can do their best work. You build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across government, industry and community stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
You will demonstrate:
- Deep expertise in planning, development assessment, infrastructure or sustainability
- A track record leading large, complex portfolios with multiple stakeholders
- Strong judgement and decision-making capability in high-profile settings
- Experience delivering major programs with system-wide impact
- Political acumen and understanding of government processes
- The ability to influence at the most senior levels across government, industry and community
- A clear focus on delivery, outcomes and performance
Essential requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and extensive executive management leadership in organisations with multiple stakeholders, complex issues management and high-level outcome delivery
- Thorough working knowledge of the machinery of government and the complexity of operations and processes at all levels of government and proven expertise to lead and implement major program delivery in that context.
Why this role matters
This is more than a leadership role. It is a defining opportunity to lead a substantial program of reform, reshaping the planning system in New South Wales to meet the state’s future needs.
You will lead a critical function at the centre of a bold reform agenda, modernising the planning system while driving innovative approaches that unlock housing, infrastructure and development. In doing so, you will set clear direction for faster, more consistent and outcomes-driven planning pathways, and shape high-impact decisions through authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior Government stakeholders.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of planning in New South Wales and leave a lasting legacy by steering a pivotal phase of reform, delivering a more responsive, integrated and future-ready system.
About Us
At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.
We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.
Join us
If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter.
Applications close Tuesday 23 June at 11.55pm. Should you require further information about the role please contact Rose Kent, A/Senior Manager Talent Acquisition on 0419 564 141 or
[email protected].
A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via
[email protected] or (0 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.
