Director, Human Resources

Job no: 493637
Work type: Full Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra
Classification: Executive Level 2

About Us
DHA is more than just a housing provider; it is an integral part of Australia’s Defence community. We deliver housing and related services to more than 30,000 Australian Defence Force members and their families, playing a crucial role in supporting Defence capability, enhancing stability and wellbeing for those who serve.

Our HR function is key to enabling this mission, ensuring our workforce is capable and well-supported, underpinned by a culture of collaboration and inclusion.

What makes this role unique?

A committed team and purposeful work
You will be joining a supportive and engaged HR team united by a shared purpose, a dynamic program of work, and a strong people-first mindset. We take pride in providing accessible, practical, and meaningful HR support complemented by our deep commitment to delivering our People Strategy and related initiatives. Our work continues to foster a high-performing, inclusive, and supportive environment where both individuals and teams can thrive.

While we are committed to delivering high-quality outcomes, we also value warmth, humour, and genuine connection. You can expect the occasional joke, potluck lunches, team-building activities, and perhaps even a sneaky piece of chocolate at your desk to brighten your day.

Strategic leadership with real impact
As Director, Human Resources, you will lead a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary HR operations team across recruitment, learning and development, payroll, and employee relations. You will work closely with the Chief People Officer, Managing Director, and Executive Leadership Team to shape and deliver agency-wide HR services that drive performance, build capability, support integrity, and enhance the employee experience. With an engaged senior executive cohort and ownership of your functions, your contributions will be visible, valued, and genuinely impactful.

Opportunities to Drive Positive Change
As a smaller agency with a commercial orientation, every contribution at DHA has real impact. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to directly enhance operational efficiency and improve the employee experience. Your expertise will help shape a modern, people-centred workplace that supports high-quality and compliant service delivery across the organisation.

Development and Flexibility
DHA is committed to supporting your professional growth through structured leadership development programs, learning opportunities, study support, and on-the-job development. This full-time position is based in Canberra, with flexible work arrangements and generous leave entitlements. We value work-life balance and are committed to creating a workplace that supports personal and professional wellbeing.

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible work options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

How to apply
Apply now via our online careers site with your current resume and a 500-word one page pitch, addressing the requirements of the role. We recommend you read the Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the Code guidance on how to write your response. Additionally, you should consider the expected behaviours described in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Integrated Leadership System at this role’s level.

For further information on the position, please refer to the Position Description through the online careers site.

To arrange a confidential discussion about this position, please contact Sarah Gray, Senior HR Advisor and Chief People Officer Support, via sarah.gray@dha.gov.au or 07 4726 1814.

Order of Merit
A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity
DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature aged employees and carers.

RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility
Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen and can obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level.

Applications close
11:55pm AEST Tuesday 20 May 2025

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