Fisheries Research and Development Corporation - Canberra ACT

This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuine leadership role where you can shape culture, drive workforce strategy, and make a tangible impact across the organisation. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is seeking an experienced Head of People and Culture to provide strategic leadership across all people, culture and workforce functions. Reporting directly to the General Manager Finance & Business, you will be a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and Executive Leadership Team - driving the people agenda that underpins FRDC's strategic priorities.

This is more than a head of HR role. You will be given the scope to genuinely shape how FRDC operates as an organisation - from workforce design to culture, capability and WHS. You'll work closely with the Managing Director and executive team that value the people function as central to strategic delivery.

FRDC offers a collaborative, inclusive culture where employee wellbeing is prioritised, professional development is supported and your contribution is recognised. If you are a senior HR or change leader looking for your next meaningful career challenge, this is the role for you.

This role will be considered in various locations.

Key responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will lead the full people and culture lifecycle for FRDC. Your key responsibilities will include:

Lead the development and delivery of FRDC's People and Culture strategy, translating organisational priorities into workforce, capability and leadership plans.

Drive workforce planning,



organisation design and restructuring, ensuring FRDC has the right structure and capability to deliver its strategic agenda.

Lead complex change management and workforce transition initiatives, equipping leaders to navigate uncertainty and bring their teams along with them.

Oversee FRDC's performance and development practices, building a culture of accountability, feedback and growth.

Provide expert advice on employee relations, conduct, culture and psychosocial risk, managing sensitive matters with procedural fairness and confidentiality.

Lead talent, succession and remuneration strategy, ensuring FRDC can attract, retain and develop critical capabilities.

Provide strategic oversight of FRDC's Work Health and Safety (WHS) system - including physical and psychosocial risk management, governance, incident reporting and officer due-diligence requirements.

Prepare transparent, decision-useful people, culture and WHS reports for the Managing Director, Executive and Board committees.

Ensure People and Culture operations, systems, policies and employment practices remain compliant, contemporary and fit for purpose.

Lead and develop the People and Culture function,



including direct management of the Human Resources Officer.

About you

We're looking for a experienced people leader who brings strength across strategic HR expertise and change leadership.

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

Significant senior People & Culture experience, including advising Managing Directors, CEOs and executive teams.

Demonstrated expertise in organisational change management, workforce planning and organisation design.

Strong capability in complex employee relations and contemporary Australian employment law and practices.

Experience leading strategic P&C; programs that drive measurable organisational outcomes.

A track record in psychosocial risk management, WHS governance and workforce compliance in a regulated or comparable environment.

Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills - you build credibility quickly and advise with confidence.

Sound judgement in navigating competing priorities, ambiguity and sensitive people matters.

A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).

About us

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation is an Australian Government statutory corporation that invests in and manages research, development and extension activities for the benefit of Australian fisheries and aquaculture industries and the wider community. FRDC operates as a collaborative, value-driven organisation committed to workforce capability, inclusion and purpose-led performance.

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📌 Head of People and Culture (Canberra)
🏢 Fisheries Research and Development
📍 Canberra