Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief People Officer is a crucial Executive team member, pivotal in shaping SDN’s workplace environment and strategic HR initiatives. With oversight over talent management, employee engagement and wellbeing, WHS, industrial relations and the broader HR function, the CPO will identify opportunities and implement strategies aligned with the growth of SDN, best positioning the organisation to navigate external changes whilst ensuring quality and reliable service delivery, learning and care outcomes for young children and families. Key areas of responsibility will be to:
- Drive strategic HR alignment, and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, senior leadership, and the Board on all strategic and operational aspects of human resources
- Enhance employee experience through engagement programs, wellbeing initiatives, and feedback mechanisms
- Develop and implement talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies aligned with SDN’s goals
- Ensure compliance with HR laws and agreements, manage industrial relations, and resolve employee relations issues
- Lead and develop the HR team, oversee systems, and drive innovation to meet business needs
About you
We are seeking a highly experienced HR Executive who will drive strategic HR initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate strong business acumen and experience in strategic HR management, including workplace relations and labour laws
- Exhibit significant leadership experience, with a proven track record in negotiating successful outcomes and fostering cross-functional collaboration
- Showcase excellent communication skills, be adept at presenting complex HR and operational information to diverse stakeholders clearly and effectively
- Have the excellent interpersonal skills and political nous required to build strategic relationships with key external partners including government, non-government and statutory agencies
- Hold tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or a related field. Advanced, postgraduate degrees will be highly regarded
- Show a commitment to maintaining a child-safe organisational culture and a desire to make a meaningful difference.
The organisation
SDN Children’s Services (SDN) is a for-purpose, not for profit organisation that started in 1905. We’re here to promote and enhance children’s wellbeing, learning and development and we do that for children from birth to their transition from high school through early learning services, children’s therapies and family support programs. We believe that every person and every living thing has inherent worth and is owed respect and care. We commit ourselves to being trustworthy and reliable, inclusive and respectful and creative and innovative.
SDN formally acknowledges the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and custodians of the land.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Phil Graham or Grace McDonnell of The Orchard Talent Group at sdncpo@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close Friday 22 May 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.