Chief People Officer

You won't read anything here that looks like it's been copy-pasted from Chat GPT or sounds just like some other vague, forgettable job description.

If reading that surprised you and made you feel instantly lighter, great, keep reading.

If you're already mentally defending traditional job descriptions, this role might not be for you.

Who are we?

For over twenty years, Animal Emergency Australia (AEA) has been redefining what's possible in emergency and critical care for animals.

We've grown from a small group of passionate independent hospitals into a national network known for excellence, compassion, and courage.

Right now we're embarking on a transformation project to take that passion and build a purpose-led, system-based corporate organisation designed to last.

We're moving from having been a collection of great hospitals to becoming a unified animal healthcare system where Patient's First, People Always isn't just a motto, it's the way we lead.

To hear about the AEA vision from our Founder, Rob, check out the video below.

We've also created an  Application Pack for you with more information about the company and the role. To get a copy, just see the note at the bottom of this page.

Why this role is available

This is a newly created executive role being introduced to enable commercial success by enabling the individual success of each team member at every level of the organisation.

The CPO will develop strategies and design systems that will shape and influence the way teams work, the way leaders grow, and the way our purpose lives in action every day.

We're at a point where our next era of growth depends not just on what we do, but how we do it and on building a culture that can sustain it.

The business is at the stage where people systems, leadership frameworks, and organisational development need to mature to match our scale and ambition.

Who you'll work with

You'll partner directly with our CEO, Jodi MacKinnon, who genuinely understands that sustainable commercial success hinges on sustainable people practices designed for human flourishing.

She's been with AEA for 18 years so she knows the business as well as anybody can.

Leading with self-awareness, transparency, and courage, she actively encourages challenge, not compliance across the executive team.

You'll also work closely with the rest of the ELT and all hospital-based leaders as well as your People and culture team of course.

Jodi has made you a video sharing a bit more about the role and her leadership style which you'll find in the  Application Pack.

What you'll do

This role offers a rare intersection: doing meaningful work that matters and operating at commercial scale.

As the CPO you'll be the architect of the people and culture systems that will enable AEA's purpose to scale.

You'll be working with Jodi (our CEO) to agree on projects and priorities but some of the key deliverables we're looking for include:

 Designing and delivering a People, Safety & Culture strategy, including an employee value proposition to align with our transformation program.

 Embedding leadership frameworks that lift capability, courage, and accountability while consolidating operational delivery.

 Rolling out our new values so they live in daily behaviours, not posters.

 Building a psychologically safe workplace where wellbeing coexists with profit-making in a sustainable way.

For more details you can see the full Position Description in the  Application Pack.

Who's the right CPO?

We're looking for an experienced P&C leader with corporate transformation program experience - someone who is a true builder not a 'runner' (improver or maintainer).

Ideally you'll have gained this experience in healthcare, professional services, or another complex, values-driven environment.

You're someone who will read this list of statements and say "That's me"

I'm a natural 'builder' of strategy, frameworks and teams - this is what I'm best at and enjoy doing. Improving or maintaining things just doesn't light me up the same way at all.

I'm at a stage in my career where I'm looking for meaning and impact in my work, not just a title and a salary.

I prefer to use behavioural science so people naturally want to do the right things rather than creating policies that attempt to force them to do whatever is mandated.

I'm comfortable with ambiguity and adapt relatively easily to change.

I can hold both compassion and accountability in the same hand.

What's in it for you?

This is your chance to design, build and lead the people and performance architecture to show that combining purpose and profit is the best way to build a business.

You'll be working in a business where the people are committed to the vision instead of the traditional corporate 'profit at all costs' type environment.

You'll have autonomy, and be working alongside a CEO who values honesty over politics and courage over comfort.

You'll shape not just a department, but a movement - proving that commercial success and human wellbeing aren't opposites; they're interdependent.

This is a real seat at the table - not a symbolic one.

Although we have a national footprint, the head office is based in Springwood with parking available onsite.

As a member of the ELT you'll enjoy a hybrid schedule with the option to work from home for two days each week.

We've also provided a list of all our other perks and benefits in the  Application Pack for you (get it at the bottom of this page).

The reality (and the reward)

We don't believe in sugar-coating things around here, the saying 'clear is kind' rings true for us.

We want to set you up for success, and be transparent about everything from day one. So here's what most other businesses wouldn't say but we feel you need to know:

This is a building role in a business that's mid-transformation, where some structures are still forming and leaders are still finding their rhythm.

At times, it might feel like walking the deck of a ship in rough seas. You'll need steady balance, courage, and perspective.

But you'll also have the chance to steer - and to build something extraordinary that becomes part of your legacy.

Non-negotiable's

We're open-minded about who you might be and what your specific background could include, but there are some things we know you'll need to succeed in this role.

One of those is solid experience successfully applying organisational development principles during a business transformation project in a way that enabled commercial outcomes.

Here are our other must-have's for the successful CPO.

 A relevant bachelors degree

 Experience with the application of ER law

 At least ten years experience in People & Culture roles

 At least five years leadership experience in a corporate environment

Ready to apply?

Great news if you're thinking "Hell yes" but if we were in your shoes we'd still have some questions.

So, to answer them, we created the  Application Pack that we've referenced throughout.

You'll also need a copy of the pack to officially apply because the link is in the pack.

To express your interest and get a copy of the Application Pack just click Quick Apply and it will be instantly emailed to you.

If you have any technical issues getting a copy please contact our recruitment partners at

PS - If this role is still listed it is still available.

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