Executive Director, Professional Standards Authority

Executive Director, Professional Standards Authority

• Operate as Chief Executive and lead the Authority's strategic direction
• Report directly to the Commissioner and the Professional Standards Councils
• Drive cultural and strategic transformation across jurisdictions
• Lead a high-impact national
  regulator with a mandate to uplift professional standards and strengthen
  consumer protection across Australia.

The
organisation:
The Professional
Standards Authority (PSA) is an independent national regulator operating on
behalf of the Professional Standards Councils of Australia, within the NSW
Department of Customer Service.
The PSA oversees professional associations and frameworks that promote
integrity, competence, and consumer confidence across Australia's professions.

The
opportunity:
This
is a unique opportunity to lead a national regulator with a strong reform
agenda and broad national reach to deliver meaningful public impact. The Executive
Director will operate as the Chief Executive of the PSA, driving strategic
direction, cultural uplift, and operational excellence across a complex,
multi-jurisdictional environment. The role will shape the Authority's long-term
strategy to deliver on its legislative mandate to improve professional
standards and strengthen consumer confidence in professional services.  

Reporting to the
Commissioner of Fair Trading/Deputy Secretary, Fair Trading and Regulatory
Services, as well as the Combined Australian Government Professional Standards
Councils, you will guide the Authority's national strategy, strengthen
relationships with Ministers and industry leaders, and deliver thought
leadership in professional standards, governance, and risk management. This is
a high-impact role offering the chance to influence national policy, regulatory
reform, and consumer protection at scale.

Key
priorities include:

•  Strategic Leadership: Set direction and deliver on legislative and regulatory mandates
•  Governance & Boards: Report to and advise boards and Ministers across jurisdictions
•  Cultural Uplift: Lead transformation and build a high-performing, values-driven team
•  Legal & Regulatory Expertise: Apply deep knowledge of professional standards legislation
•  Stakeholder Engagement: Influence policy and build partnerships across government and industry

About
you:
This
role requires a leader who can engage and inspire diverse stakeholders,
champion innovation, and ensure the PSA continues to deliver on its vision of
professional excellence for the public good. The ideal candidate will be a strategic
and visionary leader with deep expertise in governance, law and regulation. You
bring executive-level experience in managing complex organisations or
regulatory environments, with strong political acumen and the ability to
influence at the highest levels of government and industry.

You
are known for your collaborative leadership style and ability to inspire and
lead values-driven teams. Additionally, you have exceptional communication and
negotiation skills with a track record of delivering meaningful reform and
cultural transformation. Relevant tertiary qualifications in law, public
administration, or a related field are essential.

How to Apply:
For a
confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Felicity
Stalley or Jess Lewy of The Orchard Talent Group at To apply please
submit your current CV and a cover letter.

Applications
close Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 9:59am

Click Here to access the Role Description.

Visit the
Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing
practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities
listed in the role description.

Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives
you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that
benefits people across NSW.  We are
focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and
regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive
workplace   

The
strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while
the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with
different backgrounds and perspectives.

You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.

We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may
require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process
(including an alternate format of the application form) please contact or

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