Our client is a newly established Australian Government agency delivering work of national significance. They are building a modern, values-driven organisation with a strong focus on transparent, timely and evidence-based decision making.
The People and Capability team looks after the full HR function, from workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding through to learning and development, employee relations, wellbeing, WHS and injury management. Because the agency is new, the team is designing the people frameworks and systems it will run on for years to come, not just keeping the lights on.
The Opportunity
Our client is looking for an experienced EL1 Assistant Director to lead the set-up of their injury management, rehabilitation, learning and development, wellbeing and related WHS functions. This is a non-ongoing, full-time leadership role with hybrid working and the flexibility to be based in most locations across Australia. You’ll have a blank page and the autonomy to fill it, building practical, fit-for-purpose arrangements that will shape how staff are supported and developed across the whole agency.
Design injury management, wellbeing and learning arrangements from the ground up, rather than inherit someone else’s
Real autonomy and influence over agency-wide frameworks, policies and services
Work directly with managers and senior leaders to lift people management capability
Broaden your experience across connected areas of HR, including WHS, wellbeing, inclusion and capability
Hybrid working, with the flexibility to be based in most locations around Australia
The Role
You’ll lead a set of closely connected people functions and build them into sustainable, well-run services.
Lead the establishment, delivery and continuous improvement of injury management, rehabilitation, learning and development, wellbeing and related WHS functions
Design and implement governance, frameworks, policies, procedures, systems and services that meet legislative and policy obligations
Provide authoritative advice on complex or sensitive injury management, rehabilitation, return-to-work and workplace adjustment matters
Partner with managers to identify risks, strengthen early intervention and build their confidence to support their people
Shape and roll out learning and capability priorities, initiatives and practical tools
Build strong relationships with Comcare, service providers, employee representatives and other stakeholders
Prepare high-quality advice, briefings, reports and recommendations for senior leaders and governance forums
Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring across the People and Capability team, modelling the APS Values
The Ideal Person
You’re a seasoned HR leader with solid injury management and learning and development experience, and you understand how WHS, wellbeing, capability and organisational risk all fit together. You don’t need to be a WHS specialist, but you know when and how to draw on specialist advice. You’re comfortable working with limited direction, you enjoy building something new, and you bring a calm, practical approach to sensitive matters that helps managers and staff feel supported.
You will bring the following skills and experience:
Significant experience with Comcare processes, injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-work, including employer and rehabilitation authority responsibilities
The ability to give practical, evidence-based advice on complex or sensitive injury management, wellbeing and workplace matters
An understanding of building organisational capability through learning and development
Broad HR knowledge and the ability to connect different areas of people practice into sustainable solutions
A track record of establishing new functions, frameworks, processes or services with limited direction
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes
Demonstrated leadership, including coaching managers and building capability across a…