Manager People and Safety

Drive Change, Define the Future: Manager, People & Safety

Are you an agile and dynamic HR leader ready to make a significant impact? Yass Valley Council is seeking a strategic operator who can modernise our systems and processes and embed a high-performance culture that moves beyond the status quo.
If you are driven by the opportunity to design and implement improvements, leverage data for decision-making, and navigate complexity with speed and flexibility, this is your next challenge.

About Us
Yass Valley Council is a thriving regional hub with a clear vision: to build and maintain sustainable communities while retaining our region’s natural beauty. We are a team of over 150 staff defined by our values of collaboration, service, sustainability, integrity, and accountability. We foster a culture where everyone is encouraged to demonstrate leadership and continuously adapt to a changing environment.

The Opportunity
This is more than managing a department; it is about providing strategic advice and leading the transformation of our People and Safety functions. You will be empowered to challenge the status quo, drive continuous improvement, and respond rapidly to shifting organisational needs.
Your mission:

• Modernise Systems: Ensure the integrity and functionality of all people-related data systems (HRIS, Payroll, WHS reporting) to support strategic, data-driven decision-making.
• Champion a Dynamic Culture: Drive cultural change by providing inspirational leadership and fostering a proactive safety culture across the entire organisation.
• Solve Complex Challenges: Provide expert advice on complex industrial relations matters and guide injury management/return-to-work programs in line with regulatory requirements.
• Build the Future Workforce: Oversee the full employee lifecycle and implement long-term workforce plans that ensure future capability needs are met.

About You
You are a lifelong learner, curious, and motivated to grow, seeing change as an opportunity rather than a threat. You use information and analysis to initiate problem resolution and display personal resilience to overcome obstacles.

• A tertiary qualification in a related field (e.g., HR, WHS, Business, IR) and/or a minimum of five years’ senior management experience in relevant key accountabilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of WHS principles and legislation, with practical experience in modern risk management processes.
• Sound knowledge of employment relations, including award interpretation and complex case management.
• Experience in developing and implementing enhanced systems and processes across the suite of HR practices including payroll.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts.

Apply Now
If you are ready to lead and develop our most valuable asset—our people—apply now to join the Yass Valley Council team

Simply upload your resume and a cover letter outlining how you will achieve the key requirements of the role. Answer the pre-employment questions in the online Application Form and you’re done!

An attractive total reward package awaits the right candidate, featuring a flexible salary, a leaseback vehicle, and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to our council and community!

For help with your application, contact HR on (02) 6226 9251.
For specific role questions, contact Peta Gardiner, Director Corporate & Community on (02) 6226 1477

Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this position, 
Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and pass relevant pre-employment checks.

Yass Valley Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.