Director, Regulatory Operations

About us 

The Essential Services Commission is Victoria’s independent economic regulator of essential services supplied by a range of industries. The commission’s functions include:

• making regulatory decisions with respect to prescribed industries (including price determinations, licensing, customer protection and access disputes).
• undertaking reviews and providing advice to Ministers on a range of economic and regulatory matters.
• administering the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and strategic leader to join the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) division as Director, Regulatory Operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the effective administration of the program and maintaining the integrity of its regulatory operations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, VEU, you will lead the Regulatory Operations branch, providing strategic direction and oversight across accreditation, certificate administration, compliance, audit investigations and enforcement. You will play a pivotal role in strengthening risk-based regulatory approaches, driving operational improvements and supporting the implementation of legislative and scheme reforms.

As a member of the division’s executive leadership team, you will lead and develop high-performing teams, influence strategic priorities and collaborate with government counterparts, industry leaders and other key stakeholders to deliver effective regulatory outcomes.

We are looking for an accomplished regulatory leader who brings sound judgement, strong expertise in compliance and enforcement, and a proven ability to lead complex operations through change. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing integrity, effectiveness and success of the VEU program.

This is a fixed term two-year position. The work location for this position is 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, with hybrid work arrangements available.

Key accountabilities

The role is responsible for:

• leading the Regulatory Operations branch to deliver high levels of performance, staff engagement and alignment with Victorian Public Service values
• overseeing the effective administration of the VEU program, including accreditation, certificate registration and surrender, compliance, engagement, audit and enforcement functions
• strengthening and embedding risk-based approaches across these functions
• driving operational improvements to strengthen the efficiency, timeliness and effectiveness of regulatory processes and systems
• managing operational risks, resources and competing priorities while supporting the implementation of legislative and scheme reforms
• providing strategic advice to the Executive Director and maintaining effective relationships with government, industry and other stakeholders

For more information and the key selection criteria, please see the Position Description 

How to apply:

Click the ‘apply now’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. All applications should include: 

• a resume; and  

• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria, highlighting your skills and relevant experience in relation to the role (within three pages).

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm Wednesday 11 November 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Dan Keely, Executive Director, Victorian Energy Upgrades at dan.keely@esc.vic.gov.au

Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace

Be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while supporting flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance work and life. You’ll be working in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth. 

We are Equal Employment Opportunity employer with inclusive leaders committed to driving a workplace culture that prioritises equity, safety, respect, and flexibility for all staff. We uphold the principles of Aboriginal self-determination in caring for our community.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, parental/carer status, ability, religion, or cultural backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments to equitably participate in the recruitment process, or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please contact people.culture@esc.vic.gov.au for support.

Other relevant information

Applicants must have corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period to be appointed to this role. Ongoing positions are only available to Australian/New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents. 

Preferred applicants are required to undergo mandatory pre-employment screening, which includes a national criminal history check, right to work verification, qualification checks, statutory declaration disclosing any previous misconduct investigations and declaration of private interests.