Head of Permissioning

• Join Victoria's independent environmental regulator
• Optimise regulatory processes to deliver risk-based environmental approvals
• STS7 role - $188,297 - $256,088 + super

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is Victoria's independent environmental regulator. EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorians and their environment, collaborating with community, government, and industry to achieve its objectives. Over the past five years, EPA has undergone significant transformation with the Environment Protection Act 2017 coming into effect on 1 July 2021. As the needs of Victorians evolve, EPA continues to adapt, embracing new ways of working and celebrating the diversity of people and perspectives. The organisation fosters an inclusive culture where employees can make a meaningful impact on protecting Victoria's environment and public health.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy, the Head of Permissioning plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the 'front gate' to Victoria's environment protection framework. This position leads EPA's Permissioning Branch and is responsible for managing licences, registrations, permits, waste designations and accreditations that regulate industrial and waste activities across the state.

This is a high-impact role that requires strong operational leadership and strategic oversight of EPA's permissioning system, processing thousands of transactions each year. You will ensure approvals are risk-based, consistent, and delivered within statutory timeframes, while driving continuous improvement in systems and performance. You will also play a pivotal role in managing complex and sensitive regulatory matters, guiding strategic litigation, advising senior stakeholders, and strengthening industry and government confidence in EPA's permissioning framework.

Key accountabilities include:

• Providing high-level leadership and direction for the Permissioning Branch, ensuring EPA delivers timely, robust, and risk-based regulatory decisions.
• Building a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across a multi-disciplinary team.
• Developing trusted partnerships with industry, community, and government stakeholders to strengthen EPA's reputation as a fair and effective regulator.
• Driving operational performance, service improvement, and consistent application of environmental permissions.
• Providing authoritative advice to the Executive Leadership Team on complex approvals, litigation, and policy matters.

To be successful in this role, you will be a senior leader with experience managing approvals, assessments, or permissioning functions, ideally within government or a regulated industry. You will bring a strong technical foundation in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and the capability to navigate complex regulatory, legal, and political landscapes. You are an inclusive, steady, and decisive leader who can manage competing demands, influence effectively, and build confidence across diverse stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of EPA's most visible regulatory functions, ensuring that Victoria's permissioning system is efficient, risk-based, and delivers strong environmental outcomes for the state.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

To apply, please click 'apply now' and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD or for a confidential discussion, please contact Natasha Diamond on or Carla Bent on

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.

Applications close on Monday 3 November.