About the WAEC
Western Australia is a great place to live, work and deliver elections. And it is getting better as we transform the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a contemporary leader in electoral service, modernising systems, strengthening capability and lifting the experience for voters and stakeholders.

Behind every polling place, ballot count and result is a workforce ready to deliver, and a culture that holds them together when the pressure is on. That workforce, and that culture, is what you would lead.

At WAEC, we are guided by four values: Make it Count, Check Every Box, Focus on Fairness and Achieve Together. We are committed to recruiting people whose behaviours, leadership style and approach to public service align with these values, recognising that cultural contribution is as important as technical capability.

If you want your people leadership to shape not just how WAEC operates day to day, but how it shows up when it matters most, this is your moment.

The Opportunity
As Director People, Culture and Safety, you hold enterprise-wide responsibility for WAEC's people, organisational culture and Workplace Safety and Health. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will shape organisational strategy, build leadership capability, foster a positive workplace culture and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and whole-of-government policies.

This role carries real strategic weight. You will develop and implement the Commission's People and Culture Strategy, provide expert advice to the Electoral Commissioner and senior leaders on workforce and capability, and lead organisational change that lifts effectiveness and engagement. You will also lead the Commission's Work Health and Safety framework, promoting psychological safety and wellbeing across a workforce that includes field-based election operations.

A significant part of the role is workforce planning for electoral events, leading the recruitment, training and mobilisation of a large temporary election workforce alongside the Commission's permanent team. You will build, develop and lead a capable People, Culture and Safety function, work closely with the Corporate Executive and Senior Leadership teams, and engage with unions and industry bodies to support better practice across the Commission.

The role sits within the Capability and Performance Division and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

About You
You are an experienced people and culture leader who thinks strategically, leads through others and stays composed when priorities shift and stakes are high. The genuine non negotiables for this role are that you're a strategic operator who can see the whole picture. Someone who shapes people, culture and workforce strategies that don't just tick boxes, but genuinely move the organisation forward. You know how to balance today's operational pressures with tomorrow's capability needs, and you make that trade-off look easy.

You've led organisational development, workforce planning, leadership capability and change initiatives that actually stick, building organisations that are ready for what's next, not just reacting to what's now.

You're the person people turn to when things get complicated: employee relations, industrial relations, WHS, governance and compliance. You navigate legislative requirements and risk with confidence, and you land on outcomes that are fair, defensible and good for the workforce.

And above all, your communication and negotiation skills are next level. You build genuine influence and collaboration at every level of the organisation. You're the trusted voice on complex, sensitive issues, and your judgement is sharp: you know what to prioritise, how to manage risk, and how to consistently deliver outcomes that matter.

Specific details of the role can be found in the Position Description attached to this advert.

Want to Know More?
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Shai Harris, Principal Consultant, Shelby Consulting on 0409 914 207 or shai@shelbyconsulting.com.au.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit:

• A current resume outlining the skills, experience and capabilities you will bring to the role.
• A written statement (no more than 2 pages) addressing the essential criteria.

Select ‘Apply Now’ at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online via jobs.wa.gov.au. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close 4.00pm (AWST), Monday 3 August 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Other Conditions and Eligibility
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to a position with the WAEC, it is essential that you have valid work rights in Australia.

The successful applicant will be required to sign a Declaration of Neutrality and a Declaration of Confidentiality, indicating that they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the confidentiality necessary to ensure the integrity of the Commission.

Given the Commission's role in safeguarding trust in democracy, the successful applicant will be required to complete pre-employment checks appropriate to the role, which may include identity, work eligibility, and integrity or security clearance checks.

The work-related requirements for the role will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methodologies may be used, including but not limited to a written statement, structured interviews and referee checks.