Senior Aboriginal Workforce Development Advisor

Fortescue Pre-Order Sales; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue’s Pilbara Operations seek a Senior Aboriginal Development Advisor to partner with senior leaders and HR teams to shape initiatives that attract and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent. You will support culturally informed workforce programs and drive inclusion across sites, including VTEC and NTI pathways, while maintaining strong community relationships.

Be part of driving sustainable career pathways and cultural safety within Fortescue, balancing operational

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Aboriginal workforce development, community engagement, HR/People & Culture or a related field, ideally within the resources or mining sector.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Aboriginal Affairs, Community Development or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Experience advising stakeholders and delivering programs or projects across multiple teams.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders and support culturally inclusive practices.
• Strong cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to First Nations self-determination and empowerment.
• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build effective relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and employees.
• Ability to work autonomously in remote or fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) environments while balancing operational priorities with workforce development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Workforce Development: Advise on and deliver targeted recruitment, retention and development strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, aligned with Fortescue’s workforce goals.
• Case Management & Retention: Provide person-centred support and guidance to VTEC and NTI participants, including wellbeing, employment stability and development planning. Identify potential barriers early and work with relevant teams to support positive outcomes.
• Program Development: Coordinate and improve Indigenous workforce development programs, sharing effective approaches across sites and teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with Traditional Owner groups, community leaders, operational teams and HR Business Partners to support Indigenous inclusion and cultural safety.
• Culturally Informed Advice: Provide culturally sensitive advice on participant support, career progression and retention, with a focus on practical and sustainable outcomes.
• Organisational Development & Inclusion: Work with leaders and teams to include Indigenous perspectives in people initiatives, leadership development and workplace culture, and help address barriers to inclusion.
• Data, Reporting & Insights: Maintain accurate program and workforce information, report on outcomes and use insights to inform improvements to Aboriginal workforce development initiatives.

Job description

Fortescue’s Pilbara Operations seek a Senior Aboriginal Development Advisor to partner with senior leaders and HR teams to shape initiatives that attract and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent. You will support culturally informed workforce programs and drive inclusion across sites, including VTEC and NTI pathways, while maintaining strong community relationships.

Be part of driving sustainable career pathways and cultural safety within Fortescue, balancing operational