Senior People and Culture Business Partner

About us

The Essential Services Commission is Victoria’s independent economic regulator of essential services supplied by a range of industries. The commission’s functions include:

About the role

The Senior People and Culture Business Partner provides trusted strategic and operational advice to leaders and employees across the commission, supporting effective people management practices and organisational priorities. The role partners with the business to deliver contemporary people solutions across workforce planning, employee relations, organisational change, leadership capability, and culture and engagement.

Working collaboratively within the People and Culture team, the role delivers responsive, practical and customer-focused services, exercising sound judgement and a high degree of autonomy in managing complex and sensitive workforce matters.

We are looking for someone who enjoys engaging with people, building positive working relationships and delivering a high standard of customer service. You will bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, along with the confidence to exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and contribute effectively as part of a collaborative team.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Key accountabilities

• Provide high-quality strategic and operational advice across the employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, health, safety and wellbeing, and organisational culture.
• Build effective relationships with leaders and managers, acting as a trusted adviser to support sound people management practices, address workforce challenges and deliver initiatives aligned with organisational priorities.
• Provide authoritative advice and case management support on complex and sensitive people matters, including performance, conduct, workplace relations and employee wellbeing, ensuring consistent application of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Lead and contribute to workforce initiatives, organisational change and continuous improvement activities, using workforce data and business insights to inform decision-making, strengthen people practices and improve service delivery.

Please refer to the attached position description for the principal functions and key selection criteria.

How to apply

Click the ‘apply now’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

All applications should include:

For further information about the role, please contact Tania Gibson, Chief People and Culture Officer at tania.gibson@esc.vic.gov.au  

Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace 

Be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while supporting flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance work and life. You’ll be working in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth. 

We are Equal Employment Opportunity employer with inclusive leaders committed to driving a workplace culture that prioritises equity, safety, respect, and flexibility for all staff. We uphold the principles of Aboriginal self-determination in caring for our community.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, parental/carer status, ability, religion, or cultural backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments to equitably participate in the recruitment process, or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please contact people.culture@esc.vic.gov.au for support.

Other relevant information

Applicants must have corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period to be appointed to this role. Ongoing positions are only available to Australian/New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents. 

Preferred applicants are required to undergo mandatory pre-employment screening, which includes a national criminal history check, right to work verification, qualification checks, statutory declaration disclosing any previous misconduct investigations and declaration of private interests.