SES Band 2, First Assistant Secretary

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Sydney; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations in Australia seeks an exceptional leader for the role of First Assistant Secretary. You will provide strategic leadership across major functions and steer policy, delivery and enterprise capability.

As an accomplished Executive Leader, you will navigate complexity, drive change and deliver outcomes through others, combining strategic foresight with sound judgement to advance public service leadership and workforce development across Australia.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience navigating complexity.
• Proven track record of leading change and delivering outcomes through others.
• Strong strategic foresight and sound judgement in public service leadership.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction and provide authoritative advice across major functions.
• Lead large, complex programs, functions and teams.
• Drive organisational and system-level change.
• Build influential partnerships across the APS and externally.
• Contribute to enterprise leadership and long-term capability development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

15.4% Superannuation and Salary Sacrificing

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) supports Australians to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future. We are looking for exceptional leaders to help shape policy, drive delivery and position the department for what comes next.

About the role

As a First Assistant Secretary, you will provide strategic leadership across significant functions and contribute to the stewardship of the department. Opportunities may arise across a range of operational, policy and corporate functions. You will:

• Shape strategic direction and provide authoritative advice
• Lead large, complex programs, functions and teams
• Drive organisational and system-level change
• Build influential partnerships across the APS and externally
• Contribute to enterprise leadership and long‑term capability development

About you

You are an accomplished Executive Leader with demonstrated experience navigating complexity, leading change and delivering outcomes through others. You bring strategic foresight, sound judgement and a strong commitment to public service leadership.

We help Australians secure safe, well-paid work through skills development, vocational training, workforce support, and fair, productive workplaces that strengthen the economy.

We help Australians secure safe, well-paid work via skills development, vocational training, and workforce support that boost productivity, fair workplaces, and economic growth.

We help Australians secure safe, well-paid work through skills development, vocational training, workforce support, and fair, productive workplaces that strengthen the economy.

We help Australians secure safe, well-paid work via skills development, vocational training, and workforce support that boost productivity, fair workplaces, and economic growth.

Researching careers? Find all the information and tips you need on career advice.