Director, People and Workforce Operations
| Department: | Department of Health |
| Work Type: | Fixed term - full time |
| Job Function: | Executive Management |
| Classification: | SES1 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/POLAR/1899606 |
| Closing Date: | 05-Jan-2026 |
| Salary Range: | $232,790 - $298,488 |
| Job Duration: | 5 year executive employment contract |
| Attachments: | PD SES1 Director People and Workforce Operations.docx (Word, 158KB) Position Description PD SES1 Director People and Workforce Operations.pdf (PDF, 386KB) Position Description |
| Contact: | Andrew Keen andrew.keen@health.vic.gov.au |
Position Details
About the role:
The Director, People and Workforce Operations is responsible for the service delivery and support of critical workforce functions, HR advisory, people partnering, talent acquisition, executive employment, and workplace relations. Reporting to the Executive Director, People, this leadership position ensures customer-focused delivery of generalist human resource services and people solutions aligned to broader Departmental strategic objectives.
Leading a team of experts, the Director, People and Workforce Operations will drive organisational capability uplift in strategic people and workforce management, develop talent acquisition strategies and deliver high quality executive and VPS recruitment.
Working collaboratively across the department, particularly with the Budget, Finance and Investment division and the Organisational Effectiveness branch and the Common Corporate Support branch (shared services function) - the Director ensures consistent workforce management approaches and excellent customer experience.
This role provides support and advice to the broader heath sector on executive recruitment matters and specifically the application of the Heath Executive Employment and Remuneration (HEER) policy.
This role champions continuous improvement and modernisation, working with senior leaders and stakeholders to drive innovation and elevate performance across the People branch.
About us:
At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.
We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.
About you:
We are looking for someone who can:
- Direct and oversee the People and Workforce Operations business unit, ensuring the efficient delivery of generalist human resource services and workforce management strategies in line with branch and departmental goals.
- Deliver high-level expertise and advice to executives and managers on talent acquisition, executive employment, workforce management, workplace relations, and generalist HR-related issues with a focus on risk identification and management of factors that may seriously impact operations.
- Oversee all employee relations matters, including management of disputes and grievances, and development and maintenance of employment-related policies for its direct workforce. Actively promote positive employee relations outcomes and build strong relationships with Union partners.
- Provide support for organisational change initiatives led by the department's Organisational Effectiveness branch. Gain commitment by communicating the rationale for change and managing complex stakeholder issues that are integral to the change process.
- Provide efficient and effective recruitment and talent acquisition services across all executive and non-executive roles and manage candidate attraction campaigns, contract management, recognition of prior service, secretariat support for the Executive Remuneration Committee, secondments, and redeployments.
Experience / Qualifications
- Executive leadership experience overseeing a people and culture and/or workplace relations function in a large organisation.
- Knowledge and understanding of public administration, public health systems, workforce and/or current key public health issues would be advantageous.
- A relevant tertiary qualification is required (for e.g. human resources, public administration, health).
What we offer:
- The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
- A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
- A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.
How to apply:
Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.
We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.
If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.


