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Associate Director, People Operations

Victorian Government • Melbourne • 19h ago

Full time ongoing position Salary range: $175,286 - $192,014 plus superannuation Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangements About the role The Associate Director, People Operations is responsible for shaping and delivering integrated human resource operations that enable Victoria Legal Aid's (VLA) workforce to perform, adapt, and thrive. Reporting to the Director, People and Workplace Services (PaWS), this role provides strategic people management and workplace relations advice to the Director, Executive Management Group, and Board. It ensures VLA meets its strategic objectives and legislative and industrial obligations, while leading the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of people services to enhance employee experience and organisational performance. This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country. About you As our ideal candidate, you will possess: Broad-based and senior experience in designing and implementing people management strategies, employment policies and practices, and operational human resource service delivery models in a complex service environment. Extensive experience in providing operational and strategic advice to senior executives and people leaders on employment law, industrial relations, and workforce policy to influence effective decision making, and deliver sustainable human resources outcomes. Demonstrated experience leading a multidisciplinary team, with responsibility for operational service delivery across business partnering and advisory services, end to end internal recruitment and retention support, payroll and compliance services and industrial relations consultancy. Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to use research, policy analysis and data to influence and negotiate at senior levels of the organisation and with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including government departments and agencies, sector partners and unions. Demonstrated ability to think laterally and innovatively in providing advice, strategies and solutions within a complex environment, preferably within the legal services or public sector, with the ability to present these in a compelling way through data, written reports and engaging narrative. Demonstrated lived experience or understanding of the cultural norms and issues affecting people with cultural diversity, disability, First Nations Australians, and LGBTQIA identification, with a demonstrated ability to lead inclusive practices and communicate effectively to foster a safe, respectful, and equitable workplace. A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values. Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate. About VLA We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. Employee benefits A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements Hybrid work from home & office model Generous leave benefits, including: Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays) Paid gender affirmation leave Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing Discounted annual Myki public transport passes Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals Free annual flu vaccinations Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources. How to apply To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience is aligned to the Key Selection Criteria. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Daniella Calkoen, Director PaWS on 03 9269 0284 or direct general queries to recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. No agency applications will be accepted. Applications close by 11.59pm on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Other relevant information It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community. VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.