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Executive Director


Water Operations and Systems; Water Resource Management; Brisbane However, flexible locations will be considered

Lead a high-impact, future-focused portfolio that safeguards Queensland’s water security and public safety.

• Help shape the future of Queensland’s water resilience
• Executive leadership with purpose, challenge and statewide influence
• Drive regulatory outcomes in a time of strategic transformation

Are you a values-led, outcome-focused executive ready to lead one of the most complex and influential branches in Queensland's water landscape?

Do you thrive in navigating regulatory challenges, stakeholder expectations, and public service transformation?

If so, this is your opportunity to drive critical change.

Job details

Position status Contract
Position type Flexible full-time
Occupational group Executive
Classification SES2(H)
Workplace Location Brisbane Inner City,Flexible
Job ad reference QLD/632319/25
Closing date 06-May-2025
Job duration Up to 5 years with possible extension
Contact person Kerry Larkin/Lyndsay Webley
Contact details 0404 095 421/0411 063 095
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The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) is at the forefront of driving sustainable growth across Queensland. Its mission is to empower councils to support and grow Queensland communities, to manage water resources responsibly, and to support Queenslanders through disasters.

About the Role
The Water Operations and Systems branch sits within the Water Resource Management Division, which regulates and manages the water resources of Queensland. The branch is focused on Queensland's evolving water security, compliance and community needs. With approximately 105 professionals and a broad remit, from regulation and dam safety to disaster response and community engagement, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a strategically important operational arm through a period of consolidation and forward momentum.

Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Water Resources Management, the Executive Director will lead four high-performing teams and oversee delivery of major regulatory programs, disaster response, community and stakeholder engagement, and operational policy for the Water Act. The ED will also represent Queensland nationally on regulatory strategy.

The ED will bring clarity and cohesion to the branch, strengthen internal and external relationships, and lead with empathy to unite people around shared goals. This is a rare leadership opportunity to make a genuine and lasting contribution to water safety, reliability and reform in Queensland.

About You
You're a proven executive leader who can:
• Navigate regulatory complexity (not necessarily in water) with strategic clarity and integrity
• Drive cultural alignment, structure and collaboration during periods of change
• Build strong partnerships with local government, industry, First Nations, and national stakeholders
• Provide calm, confident leadership through emergencies and natural disasters
• Influence at the highest levels while delivering meaningful local outcomes

You don't need to be a water expert - your deep experience with regulatory frameworks, operational excellence, and adaptive leadership will set you apart.

Please visit the details candidate page for further information and to apply -www.luminarypartners.com.au/water 

Confidential inquiries to Kerry Larkin, Senior Associate, Luminary, on 0404 095 421 or via email kerry.larkin@luminarypartners.com.au, or, Lyndsay Webley, Senior Associate, Luminary, on 0411 063 095 or via email lyndsay.webley@luminarypartners.com.au.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/632319/25

Closing Date: Tuesday, 06 May 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

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Inclusion and diversity

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity, including making any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.

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Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
2 May 2023

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