Manager, Operations Return to Work – State Team Coordinator – SafeWork NSW Grade: Inspector Consent Award, State Team Coordinator Salary range: $159,573 - $161,079 superannuation Location: Parramatta with hybrid work arrangements considered Work type: Permanent ongoing full-time with flexible working arrangements considered Applications Close: 16th January 2026 (9:59AM) A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process to fill future ongoing and temporary opportunities. Are you passionate about driving safe and sustainable return-to-work outcomes for NSW workers? We’re seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our new Metro Operations Return to Work team. Join Australia’s largest work health and safety regulator, SafeWork NSW, helping to secure the safety and wellbeing of NSW workers and communities. About the Team The Operations Return to Work team play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory approach to return-to-work compliance across the Metro footprint. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team focused on workplace inspections, education, and strategic interventions that support recovery and return to work. You’ll work collaboratively with other teams and industry partners to design and implement evidence-based programs that improve compliance and outcomes for injured workers. About the Role The Manager Operations Return to Work leads a team of inspectors and specialists to deliver strategic, risk-based interventions aimed at improving return-to-work compliance and outcomes. This role advocates for and drives SafeWork NSW’s strategic direction on recovery at work initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader WHS objectives. Key accountabilities include: Bring expertise in workplace inspections, focusing primarily on return to work compliance within the Metro footprint. Developing, implementing and evaluating evidence and risk-based strategic interventions on WHS and return to work issues Contribute to the design and implementation of strategic programs that will assist inspections, education, investigations, and interventions focused on return to and recovery at work Advocate and lead the strategic direction of the return to work initiatives in alignment with organisational objectives Build relationships with industry groups and subject matter experts, fostering collaboration and delivering initiatives. What we’re looking for: A proven leader with exceptional people management skills and the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with experience managing complex regulatory or compliance issues. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse groups. Experience in WHS, return-to-work, occupational rehabilitation, or related fields is highly desirable. Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and frameworks. Essential requirements: Willingness to travel across NSW and occasionally interstate Current NSW driver’s licence and safe driving record Satisfactory criminal record and medical assessments Willingness to undertake mandatory probity screening Willingness to obtain the Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection) if not already held within the first 12 months of employment What we need from you To start your journey towards joining our team please click on the link below and attach your resume (max 5 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages). In your cover letter please share your motivation for applying for this position and your relevant skills. Due to the Christmas shutdown period, the Talent Team will be unavailable to respond to queries from 25 December 2025 to 9 January 2026. Additionally, system upgrades will occur during this time, and applications cannot be submitted for this role and will be unavailable between 24 and 25 December 2025. If you experience technical difficulties during this period, please email recruitment@safework.nsw.gov.au and we will endeavour to respond upon return. Inspector Consent Award, State Team Coordinator, with the base salary for this role starting at $159,573 base plus superannuation Click Here to access the Role Description . For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Tayla Gibbs via Tayla.Gibbs@safework.nsw.gov.au. 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. Closing Date: 16th January 2026 (9:59AM) 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 Tayla.Gibbs@safework.nsw.gov.au or 02 9494 8351. For more information, please visit Information on some of the different types of disabilities Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process
