Senior Investigator

An exciting opportunity is now available for Senior Investigator to join the Investigations and Safety Compliance Team based in Parramatta. In this role, you will lead and undertake complex investigations and regulatory enforcement activities in line with the NHVR’s risk-based model.

The Senior Investigator, The Investigations and Compliance Unit plays a critical role in delivering the NHVR’s national safety and regulatory agenda. As a newly restructured and strategically aligned branch, the Unit is responsible for proactively assessing, detecting, investigating, and responding to serious and systemic breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). Its functions span mid- and high-level investigations, proactive inspections, and compliance monitoring — all underpinned by a risk-based and intelligence-led approach.

Operating through nationally coordinated hubs across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, the Unit prioritises early intervention and systems-level risk mitigation. With dedicated functions for Major Investigations, Investigations and Safety Compliance, Triage, Systems Assessment, and Training, the Unit embodies NHVR’s modern regulatory posture: prevention-focused, nationally consistent, and strategically targeted. Its transformation enables smarter enforcement, strengthens the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), and safeguards the safety and wellbeing of road users.

Key responsibilities of this role are

• Conduct proactive and complex compliance and investigation activities.
• Plan and conduct structured investigations into breaches of the HVNL, with a focus on repeat non-compliance, system failures, or medium-complexity CoR matters.
• Undertake comprehensive evidence gathering, including written statements, compulsory interviews, and use of statutory powers.
• Point of escalation for the 'operator intervention program'.
• Investigate recidivist operators.
• Partner with Systems Assessment Officers to perform regulatory checks, site visits, document reviews and assessments of safety systems and work practices.
• Prepare detailed and accurate enforcement documentation including investigation reports, notices, and briefs of evidence for legal or compliance action.
• Mentor and support Investigators, case structuring, documentation, and interpretation of regulatory powers.
• Participate in peer reviews and team learning activities to ensure quality and national consistency in investigations.
• Represent NHVR at forums or in multi-agency operations where required.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with NHVR’s internal policies, WHS obligations, and legislative responsibilities.

About You

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting regulatory investigations, including systems-based and CoR-related cases.
• Strong understanding of HVNL provisions (or ability to acquire), enforcement instruments, and evidence collection protocols.
• Ability to assess organisational systems of work and safety practices for regulatory risk and performance.
• High-level documentation and report writing skills, with an ability to present findings clearly and legally soundly.
• Effective interpersonal skills to manage sensitive conversations, gain cooperation, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to coach, guide and mentor less experienced officers in the craft of investigation.
• Comfortable working both autonomously and within a nationally coordinated team.
• Strong judgement and decision-making capability in complex or ambiguous regulatory settings.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• At least 5 years of experience in a regulatory compliance, investigations or enforcement environment.
• Certificate IV in Government Investigations or equivalent (or capacity to obtain within 12 months).
• Strong operational experience in applying statutory powers and conducting complex investigations or audits.
• Current Australian driver’s licence.

Highly Regarded:

• Tertiary qualifications in law, transport safety, auditing, or a related field.
• Experience in risk-based investigations or regulatory practice.
• Experience with digital case management and investigative tools.

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.
We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer
• A competitive salary package of $152,511.56 + superannuation
• Paid leave over Christmas closure.
• Choice of accrued or rostered days off
• Hybrid working environment – up to2 days from home.
• Superannuation co-contribution scheme
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support

Application Process
Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.
Applications close: 5.00pm Wednesday 9 September – We can change this depending on approval