Partner directly with the CEO, Executive team and Council on strategic HR and workforce direction, with real scope to shape where the function goes
Step into a newly created leadership role and build a team around you as the function grows
Get out to some of the NT's most remote and culturally rich communities each quarter and build real relationships with staff
Salary up to $123,000 + super, relocation assistance to Katherine or ability to work remotely with quarterly travel
Victoria Daly Regional Council (VDRC): Trusted Partner, Connected Communities
VDRC serves a vast and culturally rich region in the Northern Territory, delivering essential services and programs to remote communities.
Working alongside residents, Traditional Owners and regional partners, VDRC is committed to strengthening communities through reliable services, collaboration and long-term regional growth.
VDRC's vision is to be a trusted partner delivering core services that support safe and connected communities – and that shows up in how people work here: practical, relationship-first, and genuinely invested in the communities they serve.
This is a newly created role, giving you scope to lead HR and Industrial Relations strategically and shape the workforce function around your experience and ideas.
You'll work closely with the CEO and Executive team, with the influence and support to set the direction for HR and IR at VDRC
A structured handover with the current HR lead is in place, so you're supported as you build relationships and settle into the role – particularly important for Indigenous staff who value trust built over time
How you communicate matters as much as what you know – VDRC wants someone warm and welcoming, not clinical or overly direct
Success looks like staff coming to you first for HR matters, building that trust is central to the role
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, you'll lead the strategic and operational delivery of HR and Industrial Relations across VDRC – with genuine freedom to shape how the function looks and grows.
Lead the development of VDRC's workforce strategy, working closely with the Executive on culture, capability and organisational development
Be the trusted voice on industrial relations, from enterprise bargaining and consultation through to representing VDRC in disputes and mediations
Handle sensitive employee relations matters with fairness and a steady hand, coaching managers along the way
Grow and lead your own HR team as the function expands
Keep HR systems, policies and governance frameworks robust and compliant, including WHS across the organisation
Deliver workforce insights, dashboards and reporting that support Executive and Council decision-making
Whether you're based in Katherine or working remotely, get out into community every quarter to build real relationships with staff on the ground
Meet the CEO, Director of Corporate Services, Executive team and current HR team, and connect with the person currently handling HR who'll support your transition
Get across current HR/IR frameworks, workforce data and the state of play on enterprise bargaining and employee relations matters
Make your first community visit to start building relationships with staff on the ground
Start shaping the priorities and direction of VDRC's workforce strategy
By day 90, you're not just up to speed – you're building trust.
Who this role suits
You're someone who can hold your own in leadership, and still be the person staff feel genuinely comfortable approaching.
You've led HR and Industrial Relations at a senior level, and you're not fazed by enterprise bargaining, disputes or the tough conversations that come with the territory
Your style is warm and welcoming rather than clinical or overly direct – people need to feel put at ease coming to you, not managed
You're comfortable in complex, regional or culturally diverse settings, and bonus points if that includes local government or remote/Aboriginal communities
You're flexible and grounded, happy to travel to community and invest in relationships when required
What's on offer
Up to $123,000 + super, negotiable on experience and skills
Full-time role based in Katherine, or fully remote with quarterly travel to community
Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Katherine
A supported handover period, working alongside the current HR lead as you build the role
Genuine scope to lead the workforce strategy, systems and team
Regular leadership engagement and travel to Katherine for training and key events
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Next step
If you're ready to lead a workforce strategy and a People & Culture function with genuine executive influence and real community impact, this is a rare opportunity.
