Director, Compliance and Enforcement (SES1)

About this role

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.

The Director, Compliance and Enforcement is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the commission’s approach to compliance and enforcement across Victoria’s energy sector. Leading a branch of approximately 30 staff, you will set its strategic direction and oversee regulatory action that protects consumers and drives improvements in the energy market.

As a member of the Energy leadership team, you will influence the broader direction of the division, provide strategic advice to senior leaders and Commissioners, and represent the commission on significant compliance and enforcement matters. You will lead a capable team through complex and high-profile work while building strong relationships across government, the legal profession, industry and other regulatory bodies.

This role would suit an experienced compliance and enforcement leader who combines strong legal and regulatory expertise with sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style. A tertiary qualification in law, investigations, policy or economics is required.

This is a fixed term position for 5 years. The work location for this position is 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Key accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Energy division’s compliance and enforcement work.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary branch to deliver effective regulatory outcomes.
• Guide complex investigations, litigation and other enforcement action.
• Contribute to the Energy leadership team and help shape divisional priorities and programs of work.
• Build influential relationships and represent the commission with government, industry, legal and regulatory stakeholders.

Please refer to the attached position description for the principal functions and key selection criteria.

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 addressing the key selection criteria, highlighting your skills and relevant experience in relation to the role.

For further information about the role, please contact Nathan Zhivov, Executive Director, Energy at Nathan.Zhivov@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.

Applications close Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 11.59pm

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