Australian Department of Social Services - Greenway ACT

DSS is seeking an experienced and collaborative EL2 Director, HR Strategy and SES Unit, to lead strategic people initiatives that shape workforce capability, culture and performance across the department. Directors in People Services Branch provide authoritative advice, lead high-performing teams and partner with executives to design and deliver practical human resources that support DSS priorities and APS-wide expectations. This is a key leadership role for a director who will lead our HR Strategy and SES Unit.

The role will help actualise the DSS Workforce Strategy and lead workforce planning and the strategic uplift of HR services. The role will also support the SES Unit to high-level strategic advice, coordination and support for senior executive employment, capability and workforce management. The chosen candidate will work closely with HR peers and business areas to ensure strategic and operational people activities are aligned, evidence-based and focused on enabling DSS to attract, develop, retain and support the workforce needed to deliver outcomes for Australians.

DSS is seeking an experienced and collaborative EL2 Director, HR Strategy and SES Unit, to lead strategic people initiatives that shape workforce capability, culture and performance across the department. Directors in People Services Branch provide authoritative advice, lead high-performing teams and partner with executives to design and deliver practical human resources that support DSS priorities and APS-wide expectations. This is a key leadership role for a director who will lead our HR Strategy and SES Unit.

The role will help actualise the DSS Workforce Strategy and lead workforce planning and the strategic uplift of HR services. The role will also support the SES Unit to high-level strategic advice, coordination and support for senior executive employment, capability and workforce management. The chosen candidate will work closely with HR peers and business areas to ensure strategic and operational people activities are aligned,



evidence-based and focused on enabling DSS to attract, develop, retain and support the workforce needed to deliver outcomes for Australians.

The key duties of the position include:

- lead the development, implementation and evaluation of HR strategies, frameworks and initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, organisational culture, leadership and employee experience
- provide strategic, evidence-based advice to senior executives and managers on workforce planning, capability, inclusion, culture, performance and broader people matters
- lead and develop a high-performing team, setting clear priorities, uplifting HR capability, modelling APS values and fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement
- partner with HR colleagues and business areas to ensure people strategies are practical, integrated with service delivery, and aligned with DSS priorities and APS employment frameworks
- use workforce data, insights, feedback and evaluation to identify trends, manage risks, monitor outcomes and inform clear advice and decision-making
- plan and oversee HR initiatives and projects, ensuring they are well scoped, prioritised, governed and delivered to agreed standards and timeframes
- provide support to senior executives through leading the SES Unit across a range of HR disciplines demonstrating professional nous and astute judgement working with the Executive and senior staff
- build solid relationships with stakeholders across DSS and the APS, influencing outcomes through clear communication, sound judgement and practical advice.

Please review the job pack for the full position description.

Getting to know the Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services (DSS) develops policies and delivers programs that support the lifetime wellbeing of Australians and their families. Our vision is to achieve the best health, wellbeing and safety of all Australians. Our people are critical in delivering the key priorities of DSS. We are seeking candidates that reflect our cultural values of curious, contestability, courage and collaboration.

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📌 Director - HR Strategy and SES Unit (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Department of Social Services
📍 Canberra