We are seeking an experienced corporate services leader with strong financial management and human resources expertise, excellent people skills and a demonstrated ability to turn strategy into practical results.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Corporate Services Director will lead a diverse portfolio encompassing business and IT, facilities and infrastructure, human resources, policy and partnerships, housing coordination and Treaty support.

The Director will lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan, working with organisational leaders to establish clear priorities, resource requirements, responsibilities and measurable outcomes. They will strengthen corporate systems, guide organisational change and ensure teams have the support and capability to deliver their work effectively.

This role requires a leader who can move confidently between strategic planning and operational problem-solving. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, financial discipline and a supportive leadership approach, while respecting Wurundjeri cultural authority and the Corporation’s governance arrangements.

We are seeking an experienced corporate services leader with strong financial management and human resources expertise, excellent people skills and a demonstrated ability to turn strategy into practical results.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Corporate Services Director will lead a diverse portfolio encompassing business and IT, facilities and infrastructure, human resources, policy and partnerships, housing coordination and Treaty support.

The Director will lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan, working with organisational leaders to establish clear priorities, resource requirements, responsibilities and measurable outcomes. They will strengthen corporate systems, guide organisational change and ensure teams have the support and capability to deliver their work effectively.

This role requires a leader who can move confidently between strategic planning and operational problem-solving. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, financial discipline and a supportive leadership approach, while respecting Wurundjeri cultural authority and the Corporation’s governance arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Plan Implementation and Corporate Leadership

- Lead and coordinate implementation of the Corporation’s strategic plan under the direction of the Deputy CEO, ensuring alignment with the Whole Country Plan.

- Develop and maintain an implementation plan with clear responsibilities, milestones, budgets, dependencies and performance measures.

- Work with unit leads to integrate strategic priorities into annual business plans, projects and employee performance objectives.

- Monitor progress, resolve barriers and provide timely advice on decisions, resources or adjustments needed to achieve agreed outcomes.

- Lead coordinated service delivery across the corporate services portfolio, establishing clear expectations and accountability.

- Provide the Deputy CEO and CEO with practical, evidence-informed advice on organisational capability, service performance and emerging risks.

- Prepare strategic implementation reports for executive and Board consideration through approved reporting arrangements.

2. Financial Management and Resource Planning

- Lead the preparation and management of portfolio operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Finance and relevant managers.

- Monitor expenditure, commitments and forecasts, investigate variances and implement corrective action within delegation.

- Interpret financial statements, management accounts and cash flow information to inform organisational decisions.

- Prepare and assess business cases, funding proposals and investment options, considering affordability, benefits, risks and whole-of-life costs.

- Ensure strategic initiatives and projects have realistic budgets, identified funding sources and adequate ongoing resources.

- Oversee procurement, supplier arrangements and contract management within the portfolio, ensuring value for money, probity and appropriate approvals.

- Work with Finance to strengthen financial controls, support audit and funding requirements and maintain appropriate separation of duties.

- Build the financial capability of direct reports and hold managers accountable for their budget responsibilities.

3. Human Resources and People Leadership

- Lead and support HR Business Partners across workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, retention and professional development.

- Provide regular supervision, coaching and constructive feedback to direct reports.

- Support managers to establish clear expectations and address workplace concerns, conflict and performance issues fairly and promptly.

- Oversee sensitive employee relations matters,



grievances and investigations within delegation, ensuring impartiality, procedural fairness and appropriate specialist advice.

- Ensure workforce policies and practices reflect applicable employment obligations, industrial instruments and contracts.

- Develop workforce capability and succession plans that respond to the Corporation’s operational and strategic needs.

- Promote cultural safety, inclusion, reasonable adjustments and employee wellbeing.

- Build a workplace where staff can raise concerns safely and receive a timely and respectful response.

4. Performance Appraisals and ELMO

- Lead a consistent performance planning and appraisal framework across the Corporation in collaboration with HR Business Partners and unit leads.

- Ensure employees have current position descriptions, clear objectives and an understanding of how their work contributes to the strategic plan.

- Coordinate the annual appraisal cycle, supported by regular supervision, feedback and progress reviews.

- Coach managers to conduct constructive appraisal conversations, recognise achievement and address development or performance needs.

- Monitor the completion and quality of appraisals and ensure agreed development actions are followed through.

- Oversee the effective use and ongoing improvement of ELMO, working with HR, IT, Finance and relevant providers.

- Ensure the ELMO modules used by the Corporation support accurate records, consistent workflows and useful reporting.

- Establish appropriate arrangements for system administration, access permissions, data quality, training and user support.

- Use workforce information to identify trends and inform decisions about capability, retention, learning and organisational performance.

5. Change Management and Project Delivery

- Lead approved organisational and operational changes through structured planning, meaningful consultation and clear communication.

- Assess the cultural, workforce, financial and service implications of proposed changes and advise the Deputy CEO on implementation requirements.

- Develop change plans that identify affected stakeholders, consultation obligations, responsibilities, timelines and support needs.

- Support managers to respond to concerns, maintain trust and guide teams through change.

- Lead or oversee corporate and strategic projects from scoping and business case development through to delivery and evaluation.

- Establish project governance, budgets, schedules, risk controls and reporting arrangements proportionate to each project.

- Manage dependencies and competing demands across teams, contractors and external stakeholders.

- Monitor scope, expenditure and milestones, escalating significant issues and recommending corrective action.

- Ensure completed projects are handed over with appropriate documentation, training, operational ownership and ongoing support.

- Evaluate outcomes and use lessons learned to improve future delivery.

6. Business Systems, Facilities and Infrastructure

- Guide the Business and IT Manager in delivering reliable technology, effective business systems and responsive support.

- Ensure technology investments address operational needs and support strategic priorities.

- Oversee cybersecurity, access controls, records management, data governance and backup and recovery arrangements.

- Support appropriate handling of confidential and culturally sensitive information, including respect for Indigenous data sovereignty.

- Guide the Facilities and Infrastructure Manager in the safe, accessible and effective management of premises and assets.

- Oversee maintenance planning, property services, security, contractor performance and approved capital works.

- Ensure infrastructure decisions consider future needs, lifecycle costs and long-term sustainability.

- Maintain oversight of emergency arrangements and business continuity planning, including testing and review.

7. Policy, Partnerships, Housing and Treaty Support

- Guide the Policy and Partnership Manager in maintaining a coordinated policy development, review and implementation program.

- Ensure policies are practical, culturally appropriate and supported by clear procedures and staff communication.

- Oversee partnership due diligence, agreements, obligations and performance reporting.

- Ensure commitments align with organisational priorities and are supported by appropriate resources and approvals.

- Supervise the Housing Coordinator and oversee delivery of approved housing work plans, funding proposals,



stakeholder engagement and project milestones.

- Ensure work involving a separate housing entity respects its governance arrangements and clearly documents responsibilities, authority and service arrangements.

- Support the Treaty Officer to deliver approved research, consultation, coordination and reporting activities.

- Ensure Treaty positions, cultural matters and external commitments follow authorised Wurundjeri and organisational decision-making processes.

- Coordinate corporate resources for housing and Treaty activities and elevate significant matters to the Deputy CEO.

8. Governance, Risk and Performance Reporting

- Exercise authority within approved budgets, policies and written delegations.

- Maintain oversight of portfolio risks, compliance obligations, audit actions and corrective measures.

- Identify, disclose and appropriately manage actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest.

- Work with managers, employees and health and safety representatives to identify physical and psychosocial hazards, implement controls and review their effectiveness.

- Protect confidential employment, commercial, community and cultural information.

- Escalate serious incidents, suspected wrongdoing and unresolved risks through appropriate reporting channels.

- Provide clear reports on financial performance, workforce matters, service delivery, strategic implementation and project outcomes.

- Use staff feedback and operational information to improve corporate services and support informed decisions.

Key Selection Criteria

Senior Leadership Experience

Demonstrated experience leading a diverse corporate services portfolio, including multidisciplinary teams and specialist functions. Ability to establish transparent expectations, support managers and deliver reliable services across an organisation.

Financial Management

Strong financial management capability, including budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, procurement and business case preparation. Ability to assess affordability, interpret financial reports and maintain effective financial controls.

Human Resources and Performance Management

Substantial experience in workforce management and employee relations, including sensitive employment matters, performance appraisals, professional development and workforce planning. Sound understanding of fair processes and relevant employment obligations.

Strategic Plan Implementation

Demonstrated ability to translate a strategic plan into coordinated work plans, budgets, projects and measurable outcomes. Experience monitoring progress and providing clear advice to senior management and Boards.

Change Management

Proven experience leading organisational or operational change through effective consultation, communication and implementation planning. Ability to support staff, address concerns and evaluate whether changes achieve their intended outcomes.

Project Management

Demonstrated experience delivering complex projects, including responsibility for scope, budgets, schedules, risks, dependencies and stakeholder engagement. Ability to manage competing priorities and ensure effective operational handover.

People Skills and Communication

Highly developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and sound judgement. Ability to build trust, coach staff, resolve conflict and manage difficult conversations respectfully. Strong written communication skills, including preparation of reports, briefings and recommendations.

ELMO and Business Systems

Practical experience using ELMO or a comparable human resources information system, with direct ELMO experience preferred. Ability to oversee workflows, reporting, data quality and user support. Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.

Cultural Capability and Aboriginal Corporation Experience

Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal people and organisations, recognise Traditional Owner cultural authority and support self-determination. Experience working in an Aboriginal corporation, particularly a Traditional Owner corporation or Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, is preferred.

Governance and Professional Integrity

Sound understanding of governance, delegated authority, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and workplace safety. Demonstrated integrity, discretion and the ability to recognise when specialist advice or executive decisions are required.

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, finance, human resources, management or a related discipline, or equivalent substantial professional experience. Postgraduate qualifications or professional accreditation in a relevant field are desirable.

Closing Date: Applications will close on 30th November 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment process earlier should a suitable candidate be identified.

📌 Director, Corporate Services (Melbourne)
🏢 Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal
📍 Melbourne