Director - Corporate Services

environmentjobs.com; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Jobs is seeking an experienced Corporate Services Director in Melbourne to lead a broad portfolio including business and IT, facilities and HR. The role focuses on translating strategy into practical results, aligning priorities with the Whole Country Plan, and ensuring capability and governance across the organisation.

The successful candidate will balance strategic planning with operational problem-solving, exercising financial discipline and fostering a supportive leadership

Qualifications

• Senior leader with corporate services and HR expertise.
• Proven ability to implement strategic plans and drive change.
• Experience in financial management and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate implementation of the strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain implementation plans with milestones and budgets.
• Integrate priorities into annual business plans and performance objectives.
• Monitor progress and provide timely decisions and resources.
• Oversee corporate services across portfolio and ensure accountability.
• Provide evidence-informed advice on capability, performance and risks.
• Prepare strategic reports for executive and Board review.
• Manage portfolio operating and capital budgets with Finance.
• Oversee procurement, supplier arrangements and contracts.

Skills

Senior leadership

Corporate services

Financial management

Human resources

Interpersonal skills

Communication abilities

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business/finance/HR/management

Postgraduate qualifications or professional accreditation

Tools

ELMO

Microsoft 365

Job description

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.