Senior Pharmaceutical Officer, Inspection and Investigation

Join our Pharmaceutical Services Unit’s Inspections and Investigations team at Ministry of Health for an exciting temporary and ongoing employment opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

About us

• We are seeking individuals who are passionate about safeguarding public health and upholding the safe supply of medicines and poisons in NSW
• Hybrid working environment where you will be required to perform site visits across metropolitan and non-metropolitan locations of NSW.     
• This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic team and be at the forefront of medicines and poisons regulation.

To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

About this role

In this role, you will be a key member of the Inspections and Investigations Team within the Pharmaceutical Services Unit, contributing to the regulation of medicines and poisons across NSW. The role reports to the Principal Pharmaceutical Officer, Inspections and Investigations.

You will undertake compliance monitoring, inspections and investigations of health premises and regulated entities, applying a risk-based and evidence-informed approach to identify non-compliance and support proportionate regulatory responses. The role involves assessing complex matters, exercising sound and empathetic judgement, and preparing high-quality reports and recommendations that support lawful, fair and consistent regulatory outcomes.

You will work closely with health practitioners, pharmacies, suppliers, distributors and partner regulatory agencies, providing guidance on legislative requirements and supporting improvements in compliance and the safe and quality use of medicines. This is a hands-on regulatory role suited to experienced professionals who are comfortable working with ambiguity, managing risk and contributing to enforcement and compliance activities in a complex health environment.

There are two positions available:

• a temporary role until 2 October 2026 within the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) compliance team; and
• a full-time permanent role within the Inspections and Investigations Team.

The roles are graded as Crown Clerk 9/10, starting salary from $129,464 - $142,665 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.

For more information, please read the full Role Description.

What you'll be doing
In this role, you will:

• Undertake inspections, investigations and compliance activities under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation, including conducting interviews, preparing reports and letters of advice, and supporting appropriate regulatory actions.
• Apply a risk-based and evidence-informed approach to assess complex regulatory matters, exercise sound judgement, and support proportionate and defensible compliance outcomes.
• Provide clear, practical advice on the interpretation and implementation of medicines and poisons legislation, responding to enquiries from health practitioners and other stakeholders via phone and email.
• Work collaboratively with regulated entities and partner agencies, supporting improvements in compliance and the safe and quality use of medicines across NSW.
• Contribute to policy, process and practice improvements, including the development and review of strategies to address emerging regulatory issues in the prescribing, dispensing and supply of medicines.

About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who will use their knowledge of the NSW medicines and poisons regulatory framework to provide specialist advice and develop and support the implementation of new proactive compliance activities.

You will have an opportunity to work in a specialised team in the Pharmaceutical Services Unit under the current Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 (NSW) and Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW), alongside the implementation of the new Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2022 (NSW) and Regulation.

Essential Criteria – we are seeking candidates who possess:

• Tertiary qualification(s) in a health-related discipline including knowledge of pharmacology and pharmaceutics and the application of this knowledge in clinical practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory role and functions of the NSW Ministry of Health, the private health sector and application of complaints and adverse events investigation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to use effective interpersonal skills to manage challenging situations.
• Demonstrated high level oral and written communication skills, including an understanding of data collection, collation and analysis.
• Desirable: Qualification in investigations such as a Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

How to apply
At the Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.

Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1 page) AND respond to the two target questions (1 page) below:

1. Compliance and enforcement activities can have a significant emotional impact on individuals. How do you balance the need for empathy with the obligation to uphold compliance and make ethically sound decisions? Share an example where you had to navigate such a dilemma and what guided your decision
2. Regulatory practice often requires working with ambiguity and relying on core principles to exercise sound judgement. Tell us about a situation where you had to make a recommendation in a context of incomplete or uncertain information. How did you assess risk and what approach did you take to ensure an appropriate outcome?

Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.

Capability application tool | NSW Public Service Commission

For role related queries or questions contact Kim Dolan on Kim.Dolan@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ620146.

If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Frankie De Luca on frankie.deluca@health.nsw.gov.au

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

1. This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months. 
2. There may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.
3. For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
4. Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!

Applications Close: Sunday 18 January 2026