The Operations & People Lead will be responsible for: ​

·       Provide strategic leadership to a large, multi-country operations team, driving process improvement and team performance.

·       Oversee core operational functions including finance, procurement, grants, contracting, and office management across six locations.

·       Ensure compliance with Commonwealth Procurement and Grant Rules, and manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

·       Lead HR lifecycle activities in partnership with the HR Senior Manager, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, and employee relations.

·       Manage program risk and safeguards (fraud, anti-corruption, child protection), maintaining the Risk Register and reporting to senior leadership.

·       Drive operational system improvements to support efficient delivery of workplans and strategic goals.

·       Foster strong client relationships, ensure contract and financial compliance, and champion sustainable and inclusive project delivery.

·       Promote innovation through technology and data use and advocate for Australian development priorities and DFAT policies.

·       Lead and mentor the Operations and HR team, building capability and modelling inclusive leadership.

·       Report to the Deputy Team Leader – Chief of Operations, with two direct reports, and contribute to cross-functional collaboration and team culture.

We are seeking an individual who: ​

·       Tertiary qualifications in Business, Management, Finance, Human Resources or Project Management or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education.

·       Minimum 10 years’ relevant work experience leading multi-disciplined operational functions (HR, Finance, Procurement, Risk Management).

·       Significant demonstrated experience in a similar role working with DFAT programs, Aid or donor programs or with a managing contractor.

·       Significant senior management experience and capabilities with strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience leading diverse teams.

·       Highly developed analytical skills, well-honed judgement, ability to prioritise, political nous, and an ability to work calmly under pressure.

·       Excellent stakeholder engagement skills including the ability to develop trust and rapport with key internal and external stakeholders

·       Demonstrated experience and strong understanding of the Australian Aid Program and DFAT policies, requirements and contracts.

·       Highly experienced in providing strategic advice to senior officials to lead organisational change and build institutional capacity to implement priorities

·       Strong ability to prepare accessible written reports and to present findings to a wide range of stakeholders.

·       Experience working with programs in the Pacific, with a strong understanding of gender equality concepts and issues.

·       Flexibility to travel to various locations throughout the APAC region;

We are committed to building a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce to maximize our support. We encourage applications from candidates from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste, and across Australia. You must have valid Australian or country specific work rights to be considered for this position - visa sponsorship is not available. ​

We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing about your disability will not negatively affect your application. Please tell us as much as you feel comfortable for us to work with you about the appropriate adjustments that you might need. If you would like further information or assistance with this, please contact recruitment@plmsp.com.au   ​

How to Apply​

To apply visit https://thepalladiumgroup.com/careers​

Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.​

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About Palladium  

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.  ​

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.  ​

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss. ​

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.