Director Strategic Projects

DIRECTOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS

Do you excel at leading complex, high‑leverage projects and influencing outcomes at the highest levels of government? We invite you to join our Strategy and Engagement team as Director Strategic Projects.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is seeking an experienced strategic and outcomes focussed leader with a strong record of delivering complex projects in a government or large organisation environment to undertake the role of the Director Strategic Projects.

This role offers you the opportunity to work at the centre of the WA Government’s most complex and high‑impact priorities, where your leadership and judgement will directly influence state‑significant outcomes. As Director Strategic Projects, you will lead multidisciplinary teams on challenging, high‑value initiatives, applying strategic thinking and expert project leadership to unlock solutions to complex land‑use planning and land tenure issues. You will operate with autonomy and trust, providing high level advice to senior executives, Ministers and Cabinet, and working closely with senior stakeholders across government. This role is ideal for a purpose‑driven leader who wants to apply their skills to meaningful public outcomes, align their personal values with those of the Department, and motivate others to deliver work that genuinely matters.

We are looking for strong leaders who are values-led, dynamic, thrive on thinking through complexity, lead with clarity and bring others with them, motivating teams to align their passion with our purpose and deliver on what matters most.

This position will be filled through a Senior Executive Service fixed term contract for up to 5 years. This process may be used to fill future similar fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment.

Our Perth office is centrally located in the CBD, above the Perth Underground rail station and close to major transport links. We also have a number of offices located in the regions.

To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience and record of achievement in leading project-based teams to deliver evidence-based and tactical advice to facilitate outcomes in an environment of political sensitivities and competing priorities.
• Strong understanding and experience using the processes, mechanisms and levers available to Government to develop innovative solutions to address complex land-use planning and land tenure issues impacting development projects critical to Government.
• Demonstrate the behaviours within the leadership context as outlined below.

Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Multi Area Leader. The expected behaviours will be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

In our pursuit of diversity at senior levels, the Department encourages applications from women, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities.

As a senior member of the organisation, you will champion the Department’s values, fostering integrity, respect, collaboration, professionalism and innovation within an environment of transparency and accountability and we expect all successful candidates to be capable of operating in line with these beliefs. Successful candidates will also need to operate within the Public Sector's Code of Ethics.

How to apply: All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages demonstrating how your skills, knowledge, leadership behaviours and experience relate to the job requirements and capabilities described in this advertisement and the job description form (JDF).

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the DPLH is an attractive proposition, please read the Applicant Information Pack.

Further Information

If you would like to know more, please give a call on (08) 6551 9520 or email ***email_hidden*** to discuss the role in further detail and/or to seek assistance with lodging your application.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Jake Louthean or Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Jake at 0428 429 486 or Barb at 0408 895 002 or alternatively email us at [email protected].

Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team on (08) 6551 9419 or email [email protected].

TTY/voice calls – 133 677

Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727 and SMS relay – 0423 677 767.

Special Requirements for this position

The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Conflict-of-Interest Declaration and a Declaration of Outside Interests are to be completed by all applicants who are successful in this recruitment process.

Applications must be submitted prior to 4.00pm AWST on Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Lodgement is system generated, and any submissions made on or after 4.00pm will not be accepted.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the link to Jobs WA to apply.