Director People and Culture
Orchard Talent ·www.orchardtalent.com.au
Apply direct
The organisation
Key Assets Australia is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to achieving positive and lasting outcomes for children, young people, families and communities. Through foster care, family services, disability and community programs, Key Assets works alongside those it supports to create safe, nurturing environments where children and young people can thrive.
With operations across multiple states and remote territories, and a strong commitment to safeguarding, cultural safety and reconciliation, Key Assets is entering an exciting period of organisational growth and capability uplift. The organisation is focused on strengthening leadership, investing in its people and embedding contemporary systems and practices that support exceptional outcomes for the children, families and communities it serves.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of People is a key member of the National Leadership Team and will lead the strategic direction of the People and Culture function across Australia. This senior leadership role oversees Human Resources, Payroll, Learning and Development, Industrial and Employee Relations, Workforce Capability and Work Health and Safety, while leading a team of experienced functional leaders across the portfolio.
This is a highly influential role responsible for developing and executing a contemporary People Strategy that supports organisational growth, workforce capability, leadership development and service excellence. Reporting through the Executive, you will ensure people, culture and workforce initiatives directly enable Key Assets' strategic priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes for children and young people.
You will lead the evolution of a strategic business partnering model, strengthen leadership capability across the organisation and provide expert guidance on workforce planning, organisational development and cultural transformation. The role also provides oversight of industrial relations, payroll governance, workforce analytics and WHS governance, ensuring robust compliance, contemporary people practices and a high-performing, engaged workforce.
A defining element of the position is championing child safety, reconciliation and cultural inclusion. You will play a critical role in embedding accountability to children and young people throughout the employee lifecycle, while strengthening First Nations employment, leadership and culturally safe practice across the organisation.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished senior people leader to shape organisational culture, influence strategic decision-making and leave a lasting legacy within one of Australia's most respected child and family service providers.
To note as this is a national organisation, the succesful candidate can be based nationally, out of any of the Key Assets offices.
About you
You are an accomplished senior People and Culture leader with experience leading complex, geographically dispersed organisations through periods of growth and organisational change. A background from child and family services, disability, or another similarly regulated, workforce-intensive environment will be highly regarded.
You bring demonstrated success developing contemporary people strategies that strengthen organisational capability, leadership and culture, while balancing operational excellence with long-term strategic outcomes. You have successfully led organisational development initiatives, workforce planning and industrial relations, and understand the importance of creating high-performing, values-driven workplaces.
A trusted advisor to executives and Boards, you combine strategic thinking with a collaborative and authentic leadership style. You are comfortable navigating complexity, influencing diverse stakeholders and using data and insights to inform decision-making.
Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and committed to creating safe, inclusive and culturally responsive workplaces where children, young people, families and employees can thrive. Experience championing safeguarding, reconciliation and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will be highly regarded.
How to apply
If you are an experienced people leader seeking an opportunity to shape organisational culture and make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people and families, we encourage you to apply.
For a confidential discussion or role-related questions, please contact Simon Wybenga or Lily Moger at The Orchard Talent Group at keyassets@orchardtalent.com.au
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Applications close Friday 4th September, 2026.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Key Assets Australia is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to achieving positive and lasting outcomes for children, young people, families and communities. Through foster care, family services, disability and community programs, Key Assets works alongside those it supports to create safe, nurturing environments where children and young people can thrive.
With operations across multiple states and remote territories, and a strong commitment to safeguarding, cultural safety and reconciliation, Key Assets is entering an exciting period of organisational growth and capability uplift. The organisation is focused on strengthening leadership, investing in its people and embedding contemporary systems and practices that support exceptional outcomes for the children, families and communities it serves.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of People is a key member of the National Leadership Team and will lead the strategic direction of the People and Culture function across Australia. This senior leadership role oversees Human Resources, Payroll, Learning and Development, Industrial and Employee Relations, Workforce Capability and Work Health and Safety, while leading a team of experienced functional leaders across the portfolio.
This is a highly influential role responsible for developing and executing a contemporary People Strategy that supports organisational growth, workforce capability, leadership development and service excellence. Reporting through the Executive, you will ensure people, culture and workforce initiatives directly enable Key Assets' strategic priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes for children and young people.
You will lead the evolution of a strategic business partnering model, strengthen leadership capability across the organisation and provide expert guidance on workforce planning, organisational development and cultural transformation. The role also provides oversight of industrial relations, payroll governance, workforce analytics and WHS governance, ensuring robust compliance, contemporary people practices and a high-performing, engaged workforce.
A defining element of the position is championing child safety, reconciliation and cultural inclusion. You will play a critical role in embedding accountability to children and young people throughout the employee lifecycle, while strengthening First Nations employment, leadership and culturally safe practice across the organisation.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished senior people leader to shape organisational culture, influence strategic decision-making and leave a lasting legacy within one of Australia's most respected child and family service providers.
To note as this is a national organisation, the succesful candidate can be based nationally, out of any of the Key Assets offices.
About you
You are an accomplished senior People and Culture leader with experience leading complex, geographically dispersed organisations through periods of growth and organisational change. A background from child and family services, disability, or another similarly regulated, workforce-intensive environment will be highly regarded.
You bring demonstrated success developing contemporary people strategies that strengthen organisational capability, leadership and culture, while balancing operational excellence with long-term strategic outcomes. You have successfully led organisational development initiatives, workforce planning and industrial relations, and understand the importance of creating high-performing, values-driven workplaces.
A trusted advisor to executives and Boards, you combine strategic thinking with a collaborative and authentic leadership style. You are comfortable navigating complexity, influencing diverse stakeholders and using data and insights to inform decision-making.
Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and committed to creating safe, inclusive and culturally responsive workplaces where children, young people, families and employees can thrive. Experience championing safeguarding, reconciliation and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will be highly regarded.
How to apply
If you are an experienced people leader seeking an opportunity to shape organisational culture and make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people and families, we encourage you to apply.
For a confidential discussion or role-related questions, please contact Simon Wybenga or Lily Moger at The Orchard Talent Group at keyassets@orchardtalent.com.au
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Applications close Friday 4th September, 2026.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Director People and Culture role?
Orchard Talent is hiring for the Director People and Culture position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Director People and Culture job located?
The Director People and Culture role with Orchard Talent is based in Melbourne, VIC, AU. The role is remote-friendly.
Is the Director People and Culture role remote?
Yes — the Director People and Culture position at Orchard Talent is remote. Candidates based in AU are preferred.
What does the Director People and Culture role pay?
Orchard Talent lists the Director People and Culture role at up to AUD 190,400 per year.
Is the Director People and Culture role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Orchard Talent.
What experience level is the Director People and Culture role?
The Director People and Culture position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Director People and Culture role at Orchard Talent?
Apply directly on Orchard Talent's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.