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EL1 Assistant Director – People and Capability

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EL1 Assistant Director – People and Capability

HorizonOne Recruitment

EL1 Assistant Director – People and Capability

15 days ago

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Important information


Contract type:

Permanent

Location:

Canberra ACT, Australia

Work mode:

Hybrid

Published on:

13 October 2026

What they need


Our client is a newly established Australian Government agency delivering work of national significance. They are building a modern, values-driven organisation with a strong focus on transparent, timely and evidence-based decision making.
 
The People and Capability team looks after the full HR function, from workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding through to learning and development, employee relations, wellbeing, WHS and injury management. Because the agency is new, the team is designing the people frameworks and systems it will run on for years to come, not just keeping the lights on.
 
The Opportunity

Our client is looking for an experienced EL1 Assistant Director to lead the set-up of their injury management, rehabilitation, learning and development, wellbeing and related WHS functions. This is a non-ongoing, full-time leadership role with hybrid working and the flexibility to be based in most locations across Australia. You'll have a blank page and the autonomy to fill it, building practical, fit-for-purpose arrangements that will shape how staff are supported and developed across the whole agency.

  • Design injury management, wellbeing and learning arrangements from the ground up, rather than inherit someone else's
  • Real autonomy and influence over agency-wide frameworks, policies and services
  • Work directly with managers and senior leaders to lift people management capability
  • Broaden your experience across connected areas of HR, including WHS, wellbeing, inclusion and capability
  • Hybrid working, with the flexibility to be based in most locations around Australia

The Role

You'll lead a set of closely connected people functions and build them into sustainable, well-run services.

  • Lead the establishment, delivery and continuous improvement of injury management, rehabilitation, learning and development, wellbeing and related WHS functions
  • Design and implement governance, frameworks, policies, procedures, systems and services that meet legislative and policy obligations
  • Provide authoritative advice on complex or sensitive injury management, rehabilitation, return-to-work and workplace adjustment matters
  • Partner with managers to identify risks, strengthen early intervention and build their confidence to support their people
  • Shape and roll out learning and capability priorities, initiatives and practical tools
  • Build strong relationships with Comcare, service providers, employee representatives and other stakeholders
  • Prepare high-quality advice, briefings, reports and recommendations for senior leaders and governance forums
  • Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring across the People and Capability team, modelling the APS Values

The Ideal Person

You're a seasoned HR leader with solid injury management and learning and development experience, and you understand how WHS, wellbeing, capability and organisational risk all fit together. You don't need to be a WHS specialist, but you know when and how to draw on specialist advice. You're comfortable working with limited direction, you enjoy building something new, and you bring a calm, practical approach to sensitive matters that helps managers and staff feel supported.
 
You will bring the following skills and experience:

  • Significant experience with Comcare processes, injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-work, including employer and rehabilitation authority responsibilities
  • The ability to give practical, evidence-based advice on complex or sensitive injury management, wellbeing and workplace matters
  • An understanding of building organisational capability through learning and development
  • Broad HR knowledge and the ability to connect different areas of people practice into sustainable solutions
  • A track record of establishing new functions, frameworks, processes or services with limited direction
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes
  • Demonstrated leadership, including coaching managers and building capability across a team
  • Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance

Desirable:

  • Tertiary qualifications in HR, business, organisational development or a related field
  • AHRI membership or certification

Salary

  • $129k - $138k + 15.4% Super
  • 6 – 12 Non-ongoing
  • Hybrid working, with the role able to be based in most locations across Australia
  • Australian citizenship and a Baseline security clearance (or the ability to obtain one) are required

How to Apply

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link.
 
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Fowler on [02 6108 4878](tel:02 6108 4878) quoting ref no. 21967.
 
HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.

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