Workforce and Policy Advisor

Workforce and Policy Advisor

Permanent Full-Time | Band 6

Colac Otway Shire Council

Help shape the future workforce of our organisation

Are you passionate about workforce planning, policy development and creating meaningful organisational change?

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Workforce and Policy Advisor to join our People and Culture team. This exciting role will lead the development and implementation of workforce initiatives, people policies and governance frameworks that support a thriving, inclusive and future-focused workforce.

Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you'll play a key role in delivering Council's Workforce Plan, Gender Equality Action Plan, workforce reporting and strategic people initiatives while ensuring our policies and employment documentation remain contemporary, compliant and fit for purpose.

What you'll be doing

As our Workforce and Policy Advisor, you will:

• Lead the implementation, monitoring and review of Council's Workforce Plan.
• Analyse workforce data, trends and risks to support evidence-based decision making.
• Develop, review and maintain People and Culture policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate and support delivery of Council's Gender Equality Action Plan and reporting obligations.
• Develop and maintain employment contracts, position descriptions and workforce documentation.
• Manage and enhance People and Culture content on Council's intranet.
• Contribute to workforce reporting, organisational development initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a strategic thinker with strong policy, governance and workforce planning capabilities who enjoys collaborating with stakeholders and driving improvement.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Public Administration, Organisational Development, Business, Management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, workforce analysis and strategic workforce initiatives.
• Experience developing, reviewing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments and workforce compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing reports, policy documents and briefings for executive-level audiences.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in a dynamic environment.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $89,613.98 to $96,656.50 per annum plus superannuation
• The opportunity to lead and influence Council's workforce planning, policy development and strategic people initiatives.
• A collaborative and supportive People and Culture team environment where your expertise contributes to organisational success.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development across workforce strategy, governance, policy and organisational development.
• The chance to shape workforce capability, gender equality initiatives and long-term organisational sustainability.
• A flexible and progressive workplace culture guided by Council's values of respect, integrity, inclusion and accountability.
• Meaningful work that supports our people, strengthens organisational capability and delivers positive outcomes for the Colac Otway community.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're passionate about workforce planning, governance, policy development and creating positive organisational outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future workforce of Colac Otway Shire Council.

Applications close Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11.59pm

For further information and to apply

Applicants are encouraged to download and review the Position Description which includes the key selection criteria for the role.

Information to be included with your application:

• Letter of application
• Current resume

Written responses to the key selection criteria are not required as part of the application process. The selection criteria outlined in the Position Description will be assessed during the interview process.

Please note: we reserve the right to conduct interviews with suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.