• Lead tobacco business licensing and compliance functions for the tobacco regulator.
• Fixed, Full-Time opportunity (until 30/06/2027) to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service.
• SES Grade 1: $225,000 - $290,600 Total Renumeration Package.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Director, Licensing and Compliance to provide a critical role supporting the Tobacco Regulation Project.

About the Business Unit

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) provides a range of government programs and services focused on improving community safety, victim services, regulatory services and crime prevention, and building strong collaboration across the justice system. Located in the Integrity, Regulation and Legal Services (IRLS) group, the Tobacco Regulation Project (TRP) has been established to deliver the Government's commitment to implement a tobacco regulation and business licensing scheme. 

Following the passage of the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Act (Act) in November 2024, Victoria will implement a tobacco business licensing scheme and regulator to strengthen tobacco regulation. From 1 July 2025, tobacco retailers and wholesalers will be able to apply for a license to sell tobacco products, improving oversight and compliance. Additional functions under the Act, including enforcement and broader regulatory powers, will come into effect in early 2026. 

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Tobacco Regulation Project, the Director, Licensing and Compliance leads the management and delivery of the tobacco business licensing and compliance functions for the tobacco regulator, including: 

• establishing the Licensing and Compliance teams, overseeing all aspects of recruitment, onboarding, and training to ensure the teams are successfully resourced, equipped, and ready to achieve operational objectives 
• developing and implementing new policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to ensure consistent and effective service delivery 
• developing and implementing a risk-based licensing framework to ensure compliance with tobacco legislation and regulations 
• managing the licensing and compliance functions, ensuring the efficient delivery of services, high-quality compliance and enforcement actions 
• providing strategic direction and expert advice to the Executive Director, Tobacco Regulation Project, and senior stakeholders on regulatory risks, compliance issues, and legislative requirements 
• building and maintaining effective working relations with key stakeholders and collaborative partnerships with co-regulators. 

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contemporary licensing, compliance, and enforcement operations within complex regulatory environments, with a proven track record in senior management. 
• High-level communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise and negotiate effectively at senior/executive levels, developing innovative solutions to resolve complex and sensitive issues. 
• Strong understanding of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, tobacco industries and their regulatory frameworks, with a sound appreciation of government social and economic objectives, particularly strategic regulatory priorities. 
• Proven experience in integrating functions to share information, maximize efficiencies, and build team capability to align with the organisation's vision and strategic objectives. 
• A strong record of building, leading, coaching, and motivating teams, ensuring the right people are assigned to the right roles, and driving proactive, professional, and consistent service delivery. 
• Extensive staff management experience, optimizing team performance and fostering a collaborative culture to ensure high-quality service delivery. 
• A commitment to the department's values, including to consciously build Aboriginal cultural awareness and inclusiveness. 

Qualifications

• Appropriate qualifications or equivalent experience in the fields of licensing, regulation, compliance and enforcement would be highly advantageous.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

FOR INTERNAL VPS EMPLOYEES:

• For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.
• For all VPS employees, due to the new Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) policy, please apply through the JSE to be eligible to be considered for this position in the first round.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.