Director - Corporate Services

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Leadership development

Job summary

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Corporation is seeking a Corporate Services Director in a senior leadership role based in Melbourne. The position oversees business and IT, facilities and infrastructure, human resources, policy and partnerships, housing coordination and Treaty support, reporting to the Deputy CEO.

The role focuses on implementing the strategic plan, strengthening corporate systems and delivering outcomes across a diverse portfolio, with a governance framework

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in corporate services, including financial management and human resources.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into practical, measurable outcomes.
• Experience implementing governance, risk and workforce planning across a multi-disciplinary portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan under the Deputy CEO.
• Develop and maintain an implementation plan with responsibilities, milestones, budgets and performance measures.
• Oversee budgets, procurement, contract management and financial reporting for the portfolio.
• Guide HR Business Partners on workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding and performance management.
• Promote cultural safety, inclusion and employee wellbeing across the organisation.
• Provide regular supervision and coaching to direct reports and ensure governance compliance.

Skills

Senior leadership

Corporate Services

Financial management

Human resources

Stakeholder mgmt

Strategic planning

ELMO HRIS

MS 365

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business/finance/HR

Job description

Location: Melbourne, VIC | Senior leadership opportunity with Wurundjeri, lead corporate and strategic services, flexible hybrid work, drive impactful change.

We are seeking an experienced corporate services leader with strong financial management and human resources expertise, excellent people skills and a demonstrated ability to turn strategy into practical results.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Corporate Services Director will lead a diverse portfolio encompassing business and IT, facilities and infrastructure, human resources, policy and partnerships, housing coordination and Treaty support.

The Director will lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan, working with organisational leaders to establish clear priorities, resource requirements, responsibilities and measurable outcomes. They will strengthen corporate systems, guide organisational change and ensure teams have the support and capability to deliver their work effectively.

This role requires a leader who can move confidently between strategic planning and operational problem-solving. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, financial discipline and a supportive leadership approach, while respecting Wurundjeri cultural authority and the Corporation’s governance arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan under the direction of the Deputy CEO, ensuring alignment with the Whole Country Plan.
• Develop and maintain an implementation plan with clear responsibilities, milestones, budgets, dependencies and performance measures.
• Work with unit leads to integrate strategic priorities into annual business plans, projects and employee performance objectives.
• Monitor progress, resolve barriers and provide timely advice on decisions, resources or adjustments needed to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Lead coordinated service delivery across the corporate services portfolio, establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Provide the Deputy CEO and CEO with practical, evidence-informed advice on organisational capability, service performance and emerging risks.
• Prepare strategic implementation reports for executive and Board consideration through approved reporting arrangements.
• Lead the preparation and management of portfolio operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Finance and relevant managers.
• Interpret financial statements, management accounts and cash flow information to inform organisational decisions.
• Oversee procurement, supplier arrangements and contract management within the portfolio, ensuring value for money, probity and appropriate approvals.
• Lead and support HR Business Partners across workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, retention and professional development.
• Provide regular supervision, coaching and constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Oversee sensitive employee relations matters, grievances and investigations within delegation, ensuring impartiality, procedural fairness and appropriate specialist advice.
• Develop workforce capability and succession plans that respond to the Corporation’s operational and strategic needs.
• Promote cultural safety, inclusion, reasonable adjustments and employee wellbeing.
• Build a workplace where staff can raise concerns safely and receive a timely and respectful response.
• Lead a consistent performance planning and appraisal framework across the Corporation in collaboration with HR Business Partners and unit leads.
• Oversee the effective use and ongoing improvement of ELMO, working with HR, IT, Finance and relevant providers.
• Use workforce information to identify trends and inform decisions about capability, retention, learning and organisational performance.
• Lead approved organisational and operational changes through structured planning, meaningful consultation and clear communication.
• Guide the Business and IT Manager in delivering reliable technology, effective business systems and responsive support.
• Guide the Facilities and Infrastructure Manager in the safe, accessible and effective management of premises and assets.
• Guide the Policy and Partnership Manager in maintaining a coordinated policy development, review and implementation program.
• Supervise the Housing Coordinator and oversee delivery of approved housing work plans, funding proposals, stakeholder engagement and project milestones.
• Support the Treaty Officer to deliver approved research, consultation, coordination and reporting activities.
• Exercise authority within approved budgets, policies and written delegations.
• Maintain oversight of portfolio risks, compliance obligations, audit actions and corrective measures.
• Work with managers, employees and health and safety representatives to identify physical and psychosocial hazards, implement controls and review their effectiveness.
• Provide clear reports on financial performance, workforce matters, service delivery, strategic implementation and project outcomes.
• Use staff feedback and operational information to improve corporate services and support informed decisions.

Key Selection Criteria

• Senior leadership experience in corporate services, including financial management and human resources
• Experience in workforce management, employee relations and performance management
• Demonstrated ability in strategic plan implementation and change management
• Proven project management experience with responsibility for scope, budgets and risk
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and communication abilities
• Practical experience with ELMO or comparable HRIS; proficiency in Microsoft 365
• Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal people and organisations, especially Traditional Owner corporations
• Sound governance, professional integrity and workplace safety knowledge

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, finance, human resources, management or related discipline, or substantial professional experience required. Postgraduate qualifications or professional accreditation desirable.