The Northern Territory Department of Corrections is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to lead its Talent Acquisition and Workforce Engagement function within the Organisational Capability branch.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new function and drive contemporary workforce strategies that attract, recruit, engage and retain the people needed to deliver critical correctional services across the Northern Territory.

Working in a complex and dynamic workplace, you will provide strategic leadership across talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee engagement and wellbeing. You will partner with senior executives and key stakeholders to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that address workforce challenges, strengthen organisational capability and support the Department's current and future priorities.

If you are a forward-thinking leader who thrives on solving complex workforce challenges and delivering meaningful organisational change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the role

- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

- Design and implement strategic workforce initiatives that strengthen talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee engagement, wellbeing and retention.

- Lead the continuous improvement of recruitment and workforce service delivery models, including the Department's Employee Value Proposition.

- Oversee end-to-end recruitment strategies, targeted attraction campaigns, talent pools and workforce pipelines to meet current and future operational demands.

- Develop strategic partnerships and influence key stakeholders to support workforce performance, strengthen organisational capability and achieve departmental priorities.

- Analyse workforce data, labour market trends and emerging organisational needs to inform evidence-based strategies and executive decision-making.

- Provide high-level strategic advice and prepare reports, briefings and correspondence to support workforce planning and organisational priorities.

- Ensure workforce initiatives are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, governance frameworks and financial and contract management requirements.

What we are looking for

To be successful in this role, you will bring:





- Extensive senior-level experience leading strategic workforce functions, including talent acquisition, workforce engagement, employee wellbeing or organisational service reform.

- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, provide strategic advice and make high-level decisions in complex, sensitive and changing environments.

- Proven leadership capability, including leading teams, managing resources and delivering outcomes with broad organisational impact.

- Highly developed strategic, conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex workforce challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of high-level reports, executive briefings, submissions and correspondence.

- Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at executive level and build productive partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.

- A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, employee experience and the development of a diverse, capable and sustainable workforce.

A relevant tertiary qualification in human resources, business or a related discipline will be highly regarded. Experience in the public sector or correctional services environment will also be advantageous.

What's on offer

- Competitive salary, leave loading and 12% superannuation contribution.

- Six weeks of annual recreation leave.

- Long Service Leave entitlements.

- Generous personal and miscellaneous leave provisions.

- Salary sacrifice opportunities.

- Potential relocation assistance, where applicable.

- Professional development and leadership opportunities.

- A senior leadership role with the ability to influence department-wide workforce priorities and organisational outcomes.

- The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to employee experience, workforce sustainability and the delivery of correctional services across the Northern Territory.

Why join us?





This is a rare opportunity to lead workforce transformation at a time of significant growth and reform. Over the past two years, the Department has embarked on an ambitious change agenda, with substantial investment in workforce capability, attraction, retention and employee engagement. The journey is far from over.

As Director Talent Acquisition and Workforce Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of one of the Northern Territory's largest and most complex agencies.

- Lead a transformation agenda – drive innovative workforce strategies that support the Department's continued growth and reform.

- Shape the future workforce – influence system-wide approaches to talent attraction, workforce engagement, capability and culture.

- Drive meaningful outcomes – deliver initiatives that strengthen recruitment, retention, employee experience and workforce sustainability.

- Partner with senior leaders – work closely with executives to solve complex workforce challenges and enable organisational success.

- Make a difference where it matters – help build a capable, resilient and engaged workforce that contributes to safer communities across the Northern Territory.

About us

The Northern Territory Department of Corrections is responsible for the safe, secure and humane management of correctional facilities and community corrections services across the Northern Territory. We work collaboratively with our partners to reduce reoffending, support rehabilitation and contribute to safer communities.

Our people are central to delivering these outcomes. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where employees are valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best.

Through strong leadership, contemporary workforce practices and a focus on employee experience, we aim to attract and retain the talent needed to meet the evolving needs of our organisation and the Northern Territory community.

If you are an experienced workforce leader who is passionate about building organisational capability, driving innovation and creating a positive and sustainable employee experience, we encourage you to apply.

Apply now and help shape the future workforce of the Northern Territory Department of Corrections.

📌 Director - Talent Acquisition and Workforce Engagement | Darwin, NT (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Corrections NT
📍 Melbourne