Assistant Secretary — Strategic Policy & Transformation

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations seeks an SES Band 1 leader to shape policy, drive delivery and build capability across diverse business areas. You will translate priorities into strategic direction, provide high‑quality advice to senior decision-makers and foster partnerships across government and external organisations.

You will lead a significant area of the department’s work, identifying opportunities, managing complex policy challenges and ensuring outcomes for Australians,

Qualifications

• Executive leadership and strategic judgement experience in complex settings.
• Ability to translate government priorities into practical policy and program outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Shape direction by linking DEWR priorities to broader government objectives.
• Apply strategic policy thinking to complex problems and synthesize evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
• Frame options, assess risks, and provide impartial advice to senior executives and Ministers.
• Connect strategy with delivery across policy, programs, services, regulation and data.
• Advance outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities through culturally informed approaches.
• Lead beyond organisational boundaries by building coalitions across DEWR and external partners.
• Lead through uncertainty by prioritising, resourcing and maintaining momentum.
• Develop people and future leaders to strengthen capability and governance.
• Contribute to the department's overall priorities with integrity and accountability.

Job description

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations seeks an SES Band 1 leader to shape policy, drive delivery and build capability across diverse business areas. You will translate priorities into strategic direction, provide high‑quality advice to senior decision-makers and foster partnerships across government and external organisations.

You will lead a significant area of the department’s work, identifying opportunities, managing complex policy challenges and ensuring outcomes for Australians,