Are you ready to lead strategic excellence in the public sector
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to temporarily fill the role of Deputy Director General Strategy and Performance for a 6-month period, with possibility of extension. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a department committed to innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric service delivery.
The Organisation
As Western Australia’s primary water and environmental regulator, DWER has a responsibility to be an influential and future-focused organisation. Our vision is for a low-carbon Western Australia with a healthy environment and secure water resources for future generations.
The department holds itself accountable to being fair, efficient and effective. We respect First Nations people’s people knowledge and cultural advice. As a forward-looking department we are guided by good science and embrace new technologies and practices. We value and engage with our stakeholders, and we strive to be transparent in all we do and to build trusted relationships.
Our values-based culture reflects who we are and how we go about business.
We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference
Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au
The Role
The Strategy and Performance portfolio fosters a culture of excellence by empowering teams, enhancing systems and driving innovation through collaboration. The portfolio focuses on strategic planning, strong governance and meaningful engagement with both customers and Traditional Owners to deliver continuous improvement. Our goal is to position the department as a leader in public service and customer centric service delivery.
The Deputy Director General Strategy and Performance is accountable for leading the portfolio. This includes leading the department in strategic planning, governance, risk and audit, organisational performance, organisational reform, information and digital services, communications, stakeholder engagement and legal functions. Additionally this role oversees the resourcing for the Office of the Appeals Convenor and is accountable for expediting the delivery of Environment Online, as a key enabler of the State’s overhaul of environmental approvals processes in Western Australia. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position reports to the Director General and is a member of the Corporate Executive.
The department has adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all employees in the public sector. The leadership context for this role is Agency Leader.
About You
We are seeking a leader who:
- Thinks strategically and acts decisively in complex environments.
- Has superior stakeholder management and communication skills with experience in engaging teams to drive organisation change.
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of governance, ethics, and public service values.
- Champions staff development and inclusive leadership.
The attached Job Description provides more information about the position. For further job-related information, please contact Kym Squires, Director Strategic Projects on 0404 017 617 or via email kym.squires@dwer.wa.gov.au in the first instance.
How to apply
If you believe you have what it takes to succeed in this Senior Executive opportunity, please apply online by clicking “Apply for the job” button and provide the following in Word or PDF format:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, that details your experience relevant to this opportunity
- A two (2) page cover letter outlining how your skills, experience and career achievements meet the work-related requirements of the position.
- Contact details for two (2) referees – one preferred to be your current supervisor.
Please Note:
- To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have documentary evidence of entitlement to live and work in Australia for the duration of the employment opportunity.
- DWER conducts employment screening which includes a National Criminal History check.
For technical difficulties while applying online or information about the application process, please contact us for assistance on (08) 6364 7800 or at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au – email address not to be used for submission of applications.
Access Needs
We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:
- TTY/voice calls – 133 677
- Speak & Listen – 1300 555 727
- SMS relay – 0423 677 767
If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at recruitment@dwer.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6364 7800.
This process may be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within DWER and across the WA public sector over the next six (6) months. Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.
Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy may be considered for subsequent vacancies in accordance with Part 5 (General Appointment) of Commissioner's Instruction 2: Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.
CLOSING DATE: 4:00PM, Wednesday, 4 June 2025 (Australian Western Standard Time)
Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.