Chief Executive Officer Placemaking NSW

Shape Sydney's most iconic places. Deliver impact through places that matter.

• Lead the organisation behind some of Sydney's most iconic destinations
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Office location The Rocks with flexible working supported
• TRP from $329,471 to $366,890 including superannuation, commensurate with experience

This is a rare opportunity to lead the organisation responsible for some of Sydney's most recognised and loved destinations, including The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and key waterfront precincts stretching from Circular Quay to White Bay.

As Chief Executive Officer, Placemaking NSW, you will lead the stewardship of a unique portfolio of destinations and assets. This is a role for a strategic and commercially astute executive who can balance public value, heritage, culture, visitor experience and long-term sustainability in a complex and highly visible environment.

The role 

You will set the strategic direction for the organisation, strengthening commercial sustainability, deepening strategic partnerships and ensuring these important places continue to deliver lasting economic, cultural and social value for the people of NSW. Working across government, industry and the community, and in partnership with the Placemaking NSW Board, you will shape a clear and compelling vision for the organisation while balancing community outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Leading with vision, commercial acumen and sound judgement, you will navigate a complex stakeholder environment, balancing diverse interests while maintaining a clear focus on delivery, performance and outcomes.

Building on strong foundations, you will lead an organisation with a proud legacy, ensuring Placemaking NSW continues to be recognised for both the outcomes it delivers and the way it works with partners, communities and stakeholders.

Read the role description for more detail:  Chief Executive Officer Placemaking NSW

What you bring 

You bring the leadership presence and strategic judgement to navigate complexity, build confidence among diverse stakeholders and deliver outcomes in a politically and commercially sensitive environment. You will demonstrate:

• Significant executive leadership experience leading large and complex organisations, portfolios or business units
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience balancing public value and financial sustainability while driving strategic and commercial outcomes
• Highly developed political awareness and a strong understanding of government decision-making environments
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry, investors, boards and communities
• Strong influencing, negotiation and relationship management skills, with the ability to achieve outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups
• Proven ability to inspire diverse teams around a shared vision and strategic priorities
• A track record of building inclusive, values-driven cultures that enable people to perform at their best
• A passion for creating great places and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications or demonstrated equivalent industry/professional experience at a senior level
• Demonstrated leadership and property management expertise to achieve commercial outcomes and projects that deliver strong place outcomes
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of local, state and Commonwealth government policies, practices and relevant statutory requirements

Why this role matters

Great cities are defined by great places.

Placemaking NSW is responsible for some of Australia's most iconic destinations, places woven into Sydney's identity and experienced by millions of people every year.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to lead a unique organisation at the centre of public life, commercial activity and placemaking excellence, while helping shape the next chapter of some of Australia's most significant public places.

About us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you’ll help shape lives and communities across NSW while growing your own career, supported by flexible work options, impactful projects and a collaborative, diverse team. As a high-performing and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, we value your lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we are committed to helping you thrive through flexible arrangements, workplace adjustments and a culture where everyone feels supported, connected and belongs.

Apply now

Apply today with your CV and cover letter. Applications close Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11.55pm. For more information contact Rose Kent, A/Senior Manager Talent Acquisition on 0419 564 *** or *********@dphi.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via ***************@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637***​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.