About our team The SES Unit is responsible for managing the Senior Executive Service (SES) cohort and providing expert advice on HR matters unique to this group. Our work includes developing and implementing SES-specific guides, delivering high-quality Secretariat support to key committees, and providing end-to-end services for SES and their executive support staff-covering recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes. Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force Our ideal candidate Who are we looking for? We're looking for experienced and motivated professionals to play a key role in shaping strategy, providing support, and ensuring governance for the Department and the Australian Border Force senior leadership cohort. This is your chance to work at the centre of decision-making, in in a role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Join a fast-paced, agile team dedicated to delivering results and driving outcomes in a dynamic, evolving environment. About You: You excel at managing competing priorities and adapt quickly to change. You thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand environment where both attention to detail and strategic thinking are essential. You work collaboratively, build trusted relationships, and consistently deliver results under pressure. You approach complex issues with a well-considered, measured mindset and sound judgement. You can be trusted to handle sensitive information with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality. The key duties of the position include What will you do? As an EL1 Assistant Director in the SES Unit, you will lead and manage the team's day-to-day priorities while delivering complex, high-quality HR services and advice in a fast-paced environment. You will champion best-practice HR approaches aligned with legislative frameworks, government decisions, and the Department's strategic objectives. This role requires strong decision-making and sound judgment to provide policy advice, respond to complex requests, and support the team effectively. You will build and maintain key stakeholder relationships to understand expectations, address concerns, and achieve outcomes. Leveraging your people management expertise, you will lead a high-performing, cohesive team and drive ongoing capability uplift. Specific responsibilities will vary but may include: Lead and set strategic direction for the team in a dynamic, high-pressure environment, ensuring clarity of priorities and accountability for team outputs and work allocation. Partnering with key stakeholders to effectively manage SES career and HR lifecycle matters, including resolution of highly complex HR issues, escalating where required Provide expert, confidential advice and support on SES HR matters, including remuneration and entitlements, employment conditions, and performance management, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and frameworks. Manage and deliver end-to-end SES recruitment processes, from developing recruitment strategies through to onboarding, ensuring a seamless and compliant experience aligned with organisational objectives. Drive innovation and continuous improvement by developing and implementing HR initiatives, strategies, and methodologies that align with governance frameworks, legislative requirements, government decisions, and the organisation's strategic direction. Ensure the accurate creation, classification, storage, and retrieval of records in compliance with organisational policies, legislative requirements, and information governance standards. Maintain data integrity and security while supporting efficient access to records for operational and audit purposes. Contribute to high-quality secretariat support, including development of meeting papers and management of action items. Additional information Knowledge and experience: While previous experience in a similar role is desirable, success in this position relies on your ability to thrive in an agile and dynamic environment. We seek quick learners who are collaborative, adaptable, and capable of delivering results in a fast-paced, evolving context. Role location: While this role is currently based in Canberra, the Department has offices located in major capital cities and alternate locations may be considered.
