Deputy Secretary Development Assessment and Sustainability

• 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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter.

Advertised: 09 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 23 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend