Senior Executive Service Band 1 - Chief People Officer

at; Darwin; Hybrid; AUD 250,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading service organization is seeking a Chief People Officer to lead transformative HR strategies and champion cultural safety within the workforce. This role requires significant leadership experience and strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders and enhance the retention of First Nations employees. The CPO will ensure compliance with public service legislations and work towards building an inclusive workplace environment. A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in human resources or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex change.
• Expertise in workforce planning and industrial relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative people strategies aligned with AHL goals.
• Drive employee engagement strategies for workforce satisfaction.
• Provide advice to CEO and Board on workforce planning.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural competency

Human resources expertise

Education

Qualifications in human resources or a related field

AHRI membership and/or certification

Job description

Senior Executive Service Band 1 - Chief People Officer

Salary negotiable based on experience and skills

Lead Transformation. Champion Culture. Empower our Future at Aboriginal Hostels Limited!

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) provides safe, culturally supportive accommodation services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. For more than 50 years, AHL has played a critical role in strengthening opportunities, mobility and wellbeing for First Nations people through access for affordable, culturally respectful lodging.

As we move forward with a renewed focus on workforce excellence, cultural safety and organisational capability, AHL is seeking a visionary Chief People Officer (CPO) to lead a new era of transformation within our People Branch who provide critical Human Resource and WHS services.

This position is offered under Affirmitive Measures – First Nations and is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. This role is central to our commitment to expanding First Nations leadership and ensuring AHL’s workforce reflects and supports the communities we serve.

About the role

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a key member of AHL’s Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership across all people, culture and workforce functions. This role leads the transformation and delivery of contemporary human resources, workplace relations, work health and safety, and capability development frameworks.

The CPO will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong focus on attracting, supporting, and retaining First Nations employees through affirmative measures and culturally safe employment practices. The role provides expert advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive, and Board ensuring compliance with APS legislation and best practice people governance.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a culturally strong, high‑performing Company that directly contributes to improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

AHL is a Commonwealth Company which engages employees in accordance with the Public Service Act 1999.

Key responsibilities

• Developing and implementing innovative people strategies that align with AHL goals and APS priorities.
• Driving employee engagement strategies to enhance workforce satisfaction and retention.
• Leading strategies to attract, support, and retain First Nations employees, incorporating. affirmative measures where appropriate.
• Providing authoritative advice to the CEO, Executive and Board on workforce planning, industrial relations, WHS, and cultural matters.
• Championing culturally safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace practices.
• Leading strategic workforce planning, recruitment, talent management, and succession planning.
• Overseeing industrial relations, policy development, enterprise bargaining, performance management, and dispute resolution.
• Ensuring compliance with APS legislation, policies, and guidelines, including the Public Service Act 1999 and the Fair Work Act 2009.
• Driving capability strategies and initiatives to build leadership and workforce capability.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including APSC, NIAA and Comcare.

You are a dynamic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of contemporary human resources practices within the public sector or a comparable environment. You lead with integrity, empathy, and strategic foresight, and are passionate about creating inclusive, culturally safe workplaces – particularly for First Nations peoples.

You will bring

• Significant senior leadership experience in human resources or a related field.
• Expertise in workforce planning, industrial relations, policy development, and WHS.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex change and deliver outcomes aligned to APS leadership expectations.

Eligibility, Qualifications and Experience

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 Security Clearance.
• Significant professional experience working in a human resources or related environment, including senior leadership roles within the public sector or a comparable environment.
• Qualifications in human resources or a related field (highly desirable).
• AHRI membership and/or certification (highly desirable).

How to apply

Please submit your updated CV and statement (no more than two (2) pages) outlining your alignment to the role and eligibility under Affirmitive Measures – First Nations to [e-mail]

This role is open under the RecruitAbility scheme. Applicants with a disability who opt in and meet the minimum requirements will progress to the next assessment stage supporting fair and inclusive recruitment. We encourage eligible candidates to participate and request any adjustments they may need.

Salary band: A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated based on the candidate's experience, qualifications and skills.

Location: Preference for Capital Cities - other locations considered.

Status: Ongoing/Non-ongoing (AHL has one ongoing SES position).