Principal Adviser, People Strategy and Operations

This is an opportunity for an experienced HR professional to help drive process improvement and coordinate complex priorities across the People, Strategy and Operations division.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Adviser, People Strategy and Operations to provide authoritative strategic advice and leadership across  the division including the co-ordination of briefs, information and presentations.  The role will oversee the function that is responsible for executive remuneration, recruitment and contract management as well as providing broad advice on governance and divisional operations. Reporting to the Executive Director PSO, the role will also provide insights from executive workforce data, and support the governance of the Executive Remuneration Committee.

This is an opportunity to help drive process improvement and coordinate complex priorities across the division. The successful candidate will be a skilled HR and people leader and adviser who can navigate complex policy and governance environments, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and work collaboratively with partners—including CID and Legal to support the full executive employment lifecycle.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in human resources, business, public administration, law, commerce or a related discipline are desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in executive remuneration, governance, workforce strategy, organisational leadership or a related field is highly regarded.
• Knowledge of Victorian Public Sector employment, governance and remuneration frameworks is desirable.

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to senior executives on complex workforce, governance or organisational matters.
• Proven ability to interpret policy and legislative frameworks to inform decision-making in complex and evolving environments.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage executive stakeholders, build consensus and manage competing priorities.
• Strong strategic planning, governance and project management skills, with experience leading complex initiatives and driving organisational improvement.
• Well-developed analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across government and with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience, including developing high-performing teams, fostering an inclusive culture and building organisational capability.

About the Division

The People Strategy and Operations Division was established to:​

• provide end to end people services to the department's 4,000+ VPS employees​
• provide strategic workplace relations advice and support to the VPS and early childhood sectors​
• manage corporate office working places and environmental sustainability.

About the Department

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

Further Information

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Marg Burge - **********@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 19th August 2027