Director, People and Culture

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $225,000 - $290,600

Grade: VPS SES1

Occupation: Human resources

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/760123

The Social Services Regulator is committed to strengthening protections and rights of vulnerable Victorians accessing social services.

The Social Services Regulator is a statutory authority that was established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (the Act). The Act gives effect to a comprehensive new regulatory scheme that aims to keep Victoria's social service users safe from harms such as abuse and neglect.

The purpose of the scheme is to:

• support the safe delivery of social services

• embed a new set of Social Service standards for all service providers

• ensure service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users

• define roles and responsibilities of service providers

• give the Regulator monitoring and enforcement powers to respond to risks of harm

• improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to risks of harm

• replace the framework previously overseen by the Human Services Regulator.

The scheme applies to prescribed services set out in the Social Services Regulations 2023 (Regulations). They include:

• Child protection services

• Community based child and family services

• Disability services

• Family violence services

• Homelessness services

• Out of home care services

• Secure welfare services

• Sexual assault services

• Supported residential services.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director, People and Culture (P&C) is a pivotal, values-driven leadership role shaping the future of the Social Services Regulator (the SSR). The role leads the creation of a modern, agile people and culture function aligned to the SSR's strategic objectives and designed to drive long-term organisational success.

The role will work closely with the Social Services Regulator as Public Sector Body Head and Employer of SSR Staff during a period of significant change to deliver a comprehensive P&C function, comprising operational Human Resources activities, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), industrial/employee relations, performance and learning/professional development, workforce planning ,payroll and organisational transformation and change and accommodation and facilities management.

The role is responsible for the maintenance, development and implementation of the Social Services Regulator's P&C policies, processes and practices, and plays a key role in supporting the strategic and operational needs of the organisation through the promotion of good and contemporary People and Culture practices.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of business strategy, human potential, and purpose in making a lasting and measurable impact.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Develop and deliver progressive people strategies that enable performance, foster innovation, and strengthen engagement at all levels of the Regulator.
• Build a positive, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace culture where people can thrive and contribute their best.
• Lead cultural and operational transformation that unlocks the full potential of our workforce, positioning the Regulator as an employer of choice in a competitive sector.
• Oversee the delivery of operational and strategic People and Culture activities including Strategic Human Resource Management, end-to-end recruitment, industrial relations, performance and professional development, workforce planning, employee wellbeing, attraction and retention, OH&S payroll, accommodation and facilities management, and organisational transformation and change activities.
• Provide coaching and oversee the provision of expert advice on employee and industrial relations matters in line with the Victoria Public Sector Enterprise Agreement 2024 and relevant state and federal legislation.
• Provide support to managers and executives in the conduct of investigations, disciplinary proceedings, return to work and performance management processes, ensuring compliance with relevant industrial instruments and current industry best practice.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please contact Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

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Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

10 September 2025