Senior Manager Program Design & Mgmt

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

Senior Manager Program Design & Management

• Lead strategic biodiversity programs that influence environmental policy, drive conservation outcomes, and deliver lasting impact across NSW.
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Preferred office location at Parramatta NSW, open to negotiation - hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $178,315 to $197,753 + super (Environment Officer Class 14)

About the Role

Our Conservation Planning and Assessment Branch is seeking to appoint a Senior Manager Program Design & Management to lead the design, management and performance of critical biodiversity assessment and conservation programs that support the delivery of NSW Government environmental priorities.

As a senior leader you will lead a high-performing team responsible for program design, reporting, governance and continuous improvement across biodiversity certification, conservation planning, and auditing biodiversity assessment reports. You will partner with senior executives, government agencies and key stakeholders to enhance program delivery, improve biodiversity outcomes, strengthen support for stakeholders such as local councils, and ensure effective implementation of branch programs. This is an opportunity to influence state-wide environmental outcomes while driving innovation, strategic thinking and operational excellence within a collaborative and purpose-driven team.

About You

You are a proven people leader with extensive experience delivering complex programs, stakeholder engagement and governance enabling functions in an environmental or natural resource management setting. You bring a strategic mindset, strong stakeholder engagement skills and a passion for achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex program design, governance, performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and executives, influencing decision-making and organisational outcomes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship management skills, with experience collaborating across government, industry and local government sectors.
• Strong leadership capability with experience coaching, developing and motivating high-performing teams through change and competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to manage risk, drive innovation and deliver outcomes in complex environments.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in program management and governance.
• At least seven years’ experience leading large complex program / strategic and governance functions.
• Current NSW driver's licence and ability and willingness to travel throughout the state when required.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Manager Program Design and Management RD.docx

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

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.

Applications close Sunday, 29 November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Kerryn Richardson via kerryn.richardson@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

• How we encourage and support people with disability

• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Judy Torres on 02 9585 6806 (please mention reference number 554288).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.

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Role Description