Executive Director

Energy, Extractive and Southwest Compliance

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Applications close midnight, Wednesday 4th March 2026

Overview

Our department recognises the enormous value a clean environment, innovative society and visitor economy, and vibrant culture contributes to our lives.

As a diverse organisation, the department brings together key areas of work to achieve our objectives for a better Queensland.

By being effective leaders and partners in managing, protecting and restoring Queensland’s natural environment and heritage, we help ensure the health and prosperity of current and future generations.

A summary of the department’s objectives and key strategies to achieve these outcomes is outlined in the department’s strategic plan.

A career that matters. A contribution that counts.

Learn about the importance of different perspectives and backgrounds and how it helps us achieve our goals. Hear about some unique opportunities across the department.

By joining the Queensland Government leadership team, you can:

be the difference – making Queensland better through what you do
be challenged – create a career with Queensland’s largest employer
be rewarded – benefit from competitive pay, conditions and development opportunities
be balanced – find balance in your life through contemporary work practices
be you – bring your authentic self, we embrace diversity.

Are you ready to #BeHere4Qld?

Organisational Chart

About the Role

Executive Director, Energy, Extractive and Southwest Compliance

Download Position Description

Role Purpose

As the Executive Director of Energy, Extractive and Southwest Compliance (EESC) within the Environmental Services and Regulation (ESR) division, you will lead a critical branch at the forefront of environmental regulation. This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence the strategic direction of environmental management services in Queensland, ensuring alignment with the Government’s priorities and policies. You will provide inspirational leadership, foster collaboration with frontline service delivery teams, and build organisational capability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for the state’s most significant environmental challenges.

Based in Queensland, this high-profile role oversees regional service delivery across a diverse and dynamic area, with offices in Brisbane, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. The Southwest Queensland region spans from Ipswich City Council and the Southern Downs to the Cooper Basin in the far west, encompassing some of the state’s most critical energy and resource assets. This includes both mineral and coal mines, as well as the majority of Queensland’s gas fields. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the effective regulation of these industries, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship to support Queensland’s future.

The role oversees a budget of approximately $8M and 58 FTE.

The role

As the Executive Director, Energy, Extractive and Southwest Compliance, you will:

Provide strategic leadership in the development of operational planning processes at a branch level by analysing, planning and prioritising the branch’s activities, participating as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), and coordinating services within the branch and across the division as required.
Provide direction consistent with the corporate vision and deliver strategic information and advice to the Deputy Director-General (DDG) and other senior management, promoting and rewarding continuous quality improvement, innovation and ethical behaviour.
Build and maintain strong strategic and participative business partnerships within the division, the department and across the public sector to ensure successful delivery of services that are relevant, interchangeable and meeting priorities.
Ensure that contemporary and best practice policies, programs and systems are delivered to the required standard, on time and on budget, and that stakeholders and partners value the experience of working with the branch.
Develop and implement service delivery priorities, strategies and programs in short, medium and long-term timeframes to meet the diverse needs of key stakeholders and communities.
Contribute to the identification of opportunities for changes and enhancements in delivery of existing operational programs and services, or development of additional services, to achieve continuous improvement in outcomes for the department and stakeholders.
Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for the best-suited person for the role. If you are eligible, we will consider your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities relevant to the role. We may also consider your past work, your future contribution to our team and department and your commitment and contribution to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

For this role, you’ll need to:

Role model Executive leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
Bring extensive commercial or investment experience, with a proven track record of securing private capital, delivering commercially viable projects, or leading major developments through complex approval pathways.
Demonstrate strong financial, commercial and analytical capability, including the ability to assess project feasibility, shape investment propositions, interpret market dynamics and guide robust business cases.
Have significant experience in tourism, economic development, property development, infrastructure, or a related commercial sector, with a deep understanding of how to mobilise investment to unlock economic growth.
Be an agile and inspirational leader with a strong track record of achievement in dynamic and complex organisations.
Demonstrate experience in leading and implementing initiatives and programs that deliver lasting and impactful change, underpinned by fit-for-purpose governance.
Have a well-refined (or ability to rapidly acquire) understanding of contemporary environmental and sustainable development trends, drivers and approaches.
Demonstrate a proven ability to navigate and manage highly complex stakeholder relationships, build partnerships across diverse stakeholders and interest groups, balance competing priorities, break down barriers and apply superior negotiating and advocacy skills appropriate to the environment.
Demonstrate how you can support our commitment to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

Additional Information

Eligibility
- You will need the legal right to work in Australia.
Qualifications
- There are no mandatory qualifications required for this role. However, formal tertiary qualifications in environmental science, environmental management or related disciplines; or professional standing and broadly recognised expertise in the area of practice, would be highly regarded.
Licences
- You will be required to hold a current unrestricted drivers licence and/or be prepared to obtain a manual licence.
Travel
- This position will require travel to other locations from time to time, including overnight stays.

Leadership Competencies

This role requires the leadership capabilities of an executive as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.

Be prepared to discuss / reflect on these behaviours in the event you are invited to attend an assessment interview.

Leadership Competencies for QLD

How to Apply

Everyone is welcome to apply.

To apply for this role, please provide us information about:

your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities and how they align with the requirements in the What we are looking for section; and
why you are the best-suited person for this role.

You can provide these in a succinct resume and short statement (2-page) or contact our team to explore other options.

We offer priority consideration to applicants with disability or who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have what you need for this role.

Priority consideration applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.

Please let us know what we can do to help you participate in the recruitment process and ensure your needs for cultural safety or workplace adjustments are considered.

For more information on how-to-apply, including options for adjustments, visit Working with us.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 4th March 2026

Apply now