Principal Policy Advisor - Vehicle Standards

About the role

Based in Brisbane the Principal Policy Advisor (Vehicle Standards) is responsible for the key technical policy position that drives reform and maintenance of the vehicle safety standards. The role also leads the technical aspects of the NHVRs work on Future Heavy Vehicles, including advanced safety systems, connected and automated vehicles and alternate fuels.

Key responsibilities of this role are:

• Work with the Manager (vehicle Standards), Director (Policy Implementation) and other senior officers to develop and deliver the vehicle standards program to improve road safety and heavy vehicle productivity outcomes.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Manager (Vehicle Standards), Director (Policy Implementation) and Chief, Safety and Productivity, on issues impacting the delivery of NHVR’s strategic regulatory objectives nationally.
• Deliver the maintenance and implementation of key vehicle standard policies, industry technical standards, national heavy vehicle modifications standards (Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6), and the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual.
• Lead the technical elements of the NHVRs Future Heavy Vehicle program.
• Deliver transport related reforms, evaluate outcomes, efficiency and value for money for the NHVR, government, industry and the community.
• Provide expert and authoritative advice to the NHVR and other stakeholders on heavy vehicle safety, technical, design issues and management of HVNL regulatory requirements.

NHVR’s Safety and Productivity team is undertaking growth and considerable transformation, and this is an exciting time to join the organisation.

To learn more, the position description can be found on the NHVR Careers site - https://careers.nhvr.gov.au/jobs/search

 About You

As the ideal candidate you will be customer focussed, have demonstrated working knowledge with heavy vehicles, preferably experience with heavy vehicle standards and relevant legislation. Additionally, you will also be required to research and use problem-solving skills to resolve vehicle standards technical matters. 

You are a positive, collaborative team player, whose high level interpersonal and communication skills enable you to give complex technical advice whilst delivering a high standard. You pride yourself on your ability to interact and have positive outcomes with various stakeholders which can include any level from single vehicle operators to leading vehicle manufacturers

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• 5+ years’ experience in vehicle industry
• Demonstrated specialist and authoritative knowledge of, and experience with, heavy vehicle safety standards,
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant international safety standards, Australia Design Rules and relevant transport law relating to the design, construction and use of heavy vehicles in Australia
• Extensive and high-level skills in policy development, research, analysis and problem solving evidenced by ability to frame complex issues clearly and precisely including the preparation of reports, policy documentation, briefings, procedures and guideline.
• Demonstrated experience developing executive briefing notes, submissions, ministerial responses and other correspondence in a regulatory environment

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 from $145,704.76 + superannuation
• Monthly RDO and paid leave over Christmas closure.
• Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
• Up to 14.5% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
• Leave loading 17.5%
• 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
• Professional membership

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.

Applications close: 10th January 2025 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).

Interviews will occur in person on 20th and 22nd of January 2025

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the NHVR recruitment team on recruitment@nhvr.gov.au.

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.