Senior Investigator

An exciting opportunity is now available for a Senior Investigator to join the Investigations and Safety Compliance Team. In this role, you will lead and deliver moderately complex investigations and regulatory enforcement activities in line with the NHVR's risk-based model.  Various roles available in the following locations Port Melbourne, Townsville, Parramatta

The newly established and dedicated team is responsible for delivering proactive, frontline investigation and safety compliance activities under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), with a strong focus on systemic risks, Chain of Responsibility (CoR) breaches, and operator safety failures.

Key responsibilities of this role are

• Conduct proactive and complex compliance and investigation activities.
• Plan and conduct structured investigations into breaches of the HVNL, with a focus on repeat non-compliance, system failures, or medium-complexity CoR matters.
• Undertake comprehensive evidence gathering, including written statements, compulsory interviews, and use of statutory powers.
• Point of escalation for the 'operator intervention program'.
• Investigate recidivist operators.
• Partner with Systems Assessment Officers to perform regulatory checks, site visits, document reviews and assessments of safety systems and work practices.
• Prepare detailed and accurate enforcement documentation including investigation reports, notices, and briefs of evidence for legal or compliance action.
• Mentor and support Investigators in systems assessment planning, case structuring, documentation, and interpretation of regulatory powers.
• Participate in peer reviews and team learning activities to ensure quality and national consistency in investigations.
• Engage with industry operators and supply chain representatives to explain compliance expectations and promote safer behaviours.
• Represent NHVR at forums or in multi-agency operations where required.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with NHVR's internal policies, WHS obligations, and legislative responsibilities.

About You

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting regulatory investigations, including systems-based and CoR-related cases.
• Strong understanding of HVNL provisions, enforcement instruments, and evidence collection protocols.
• Ability to assess organisational systems of work and safety practices for regulatory risk and performance.
• High-level documentation and report writing skills, with an ability to present findings clearly and legally soundly.
• Effective interpersonal skills to manage sensitive conversations, gain cooperation, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to coach, guide and mentor less experienced officers in the craft of investigation.
• Comfortable working both autonomously and within a nationally coordinated team.
• Strong judgement and decision-making capability in complex or ambiguous regulatory settings.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• At least 5 years of experience in a regulatory compliance, investigations or enforcement environment.
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent (or capacity to obtain within 12 months).
• Strong operational experience in applying statutory powers and conducting complex investigations or audits.
• Current Australian driver's licence.

Highly Regarded:

• Tertiary qualifications in law, transport safety, auditing, or a related field.
• Experience in risk-based investigations or regulatory practice.
• Experience with digital case management and investigative tools.

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer

• A competitive salary package of $148,069.48 + superannuation
• Paid leave over Christmas closure.
• Choice of accrued or rostered days off
• Hybrid working environment – up to2 days from home.
• Superannuation co-contribution scheme
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.

Applications close: 5.00pm 12 November 2025