Senior People Partner

Job summary

The role focuses on shifting HR practices from traditional problem-solving to proactive, strategic people partnering to build leadership capability. You will provide expert guidance on industrial and employee relations while using workforce data to inform strategic advice.

Job details

Shape the Future of Western Australia Join a department that’s powering WA’s energy transition and building a bold, diverse economy for generations to come. At the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), your work will help drive innovation, support local businesses, and position WA on the global stage. If you're ready to make a real impact - this is where your next chapter begins. Grow your career with us Explore our career opportunities and graduate program to discover how you can make a meaningful impact. For current vacancies, visit us on LinkedIn or head to the DEED corporate website. About The Department DEED is responsible for securing the State’s energy and economic future, driving innovation and long-term prosperity for all. This includes: Ensuring Western Australia is a reliable, efficient and attractive place to do business Increasing business investment Fostering Western Australia’s skills and capacity now and into the future Driving the energy transition The Department is guided by the following principles which shape our culture, decision-making and strategic direction: Lead with empathy and integrity: Act with kindness, respect and care for colleagues, stakeholders and communities. Be authentic and transparent, making grounded decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term priorities. Collaborate and connect: Build trust and strong relationships across teams, regions and international offices. Break down silos, share expertise and engage stakeholders constructively to deliver better outcomes together. Take ownership and be accountable: Lead at every level by taking initiative, leaning on strengths and empowering others. Define roles, responsibilities and decision pathways clearly, ensuring accountability is visible and consistent. Focus on progress and continuous improvement: Prioritise finding practical solutions. Reflect, learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances, continuously improving processes to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication. Stay aligned to purpose and impact: Keep connected to DEED’s bigger picture, enabling Western Australia’s long-term prosperity. Align actions to strategy, work across government and deliver innovative solutions that create enduring value for the community. About The Role Tenure: Permanent full-time Science and Innovation, Industry and Corporate Capability builds the State’s capacity through targeted support, fostering innovation and industry capability and ensures effective and efficient administration of DEED’s financial assistance and equity programs and business support functions. We are seeking a forward‑thinking HR / People Partner to support DEED’s fast‑paced, high‑impact operating environment, where work is complex, time‑critical and closely connected to government priorities. This role is key to shifting our approach from traditional HR to proactive, strategic people partnering that helps leaders anticipate challenges, build capability and deliver outcomes for the Western Australian community. Working closely with senior leaders and hiring managers, you will use workforce data, insights and sound judgement to inform strategic advice and people solutions. With a strong foundation in industrial and employee relations, you will provide credible, practical guidance grounded in legislation, industrial instruments and policy, while focusing on early intervention and risk management. Rather than owning issues end‑to‑end, you will enable leaders to confidently manage employee matters through coaching, education and clear frameworks. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in pace and ambiguity, values fairness and consistency, and is motivated by shifting people partnering services from problem‑solving to capability‑building and prevention. You will play a critical role in strengthening leader confidence, improving people outcomes, and embedding contemporary, values‑led people practices that support performance, wellbeing and accountability across the organisation. If you are a great communicator, love data informed practice, have a strong knowledge of employment instruments and a proven ability to work in partnership with the business, we’d encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity! Further information about the role and the expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form. Assessment of leadership behaviours may be included in the recruitment process. How To Apply To apply, click ‘Apply for Job’ at top or bottom of this page and follow the prompts. Please submit the following: A covering letter (two pages maximum) demonstrating your skills and experience in relation to the specific requirements outlined in the Job Description Form. A current CV detailing your skills, work history and key achievements. Please include contact details of two referees – ideally including your current or most recent line manager. Your application must be submitted online. To avoid any last-minute system issues, we recommend submitting your application well ahead of the closing time. DEED may conduct further search activities or extend the closing date, if required to supplement the field of applicants. Interested in more information? For information regarding these positions, you are encouraged to contact Matthew Hammond, Director People and Culture, on 0419946334. To learn more about what we do and how to prepare your application, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack. Supporting diversity and inclusion As an equal opportunity employer, the department is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities, and young people. If you have any communication or access needs and require adjustments to take part in the application process, please contact our Talent Team at talent@deed.wa.gov.au. We are committed to providing a fair and supportive recruitment experience for everyone. Additional Job Information Applications must be submitted prior to the closing date and time specified in the job advertisement. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants deemed suitable may be considered for appointment to similar roles within the department for up to 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a National Police Clearance before commencing employment. Some positions may also require an Australian Government Security Clearance. Closing Date: Your online application must be submitted online prior to the closing date and time - 3:00 PM on Thursday, 24 September 2026 (AWST) Attachments Applicant Information Pack.pdf Job Description Form - Senior People Partner - Level 6 - JTS26018.pdf

What you’ll do

The role focuses on shifting HR practices from traditional problem-solving to proactive, strategic people partnering to build leadership capability. You will provide expert guidance on industrial and employee relations while using workforce data to inform strategic advice.

Requirements

Candidates must have a strong foundation in industrial relations, employment instruments, and a proven ability to partner with business leaders. Proficiency in data-informed practice and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment are essential.

Listed skills

• Change Management · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic People Partnering
• Industrial Relations
• Employee Relations
• Workforce Data Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Leadership Coaching
• Risk Management
• Employment Legislation
• Capability Building
• Change Management
• Communication
• HR Policy Implementation

Job areas

• Human Resources
• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Energy