Workforce and Policy Advisor

Job No: COS233
Location: Colac

Workforce and Policy Advisor

Permanent Full-Time | Band 6

Colac Otway Shire Council

Help shape the future workforce of our organisation

Are you passionate about workforce planning, policy development and creating meaningful organisational change?

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Workforce and Policy Advisor to join our People and Culture team. This exciting role will lead the development and implementation of workforce initiatives, people policies and governance frameworks that support a thriving, inclusive and future-focused workforce. 

Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you'll play a key role in delivering Council's Workforce Plan, Gender Equality Action Plan, workforce reporting and strategic people initiatives while ensuring our policies and employment documentation remain contemporary, compliant and fit for purpose. 

What you'll be doing

As our Workforce and Policy Advisor, you will:

  • Lead the implementation, monitoring and review of Council's Workforce Plan.
  • Analyse workforce data, trends and risks to support evidence-based decision making. 
  • Develop, review and maintain People and Culture policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
  • Coordinate and support delivery of Council's Gender Equality Action Plan and reporting obligations. 
  • Develop and maintain employment contracts, position descriptions and workforce documentation. 
  • Manage and enhance People and Culture content on Council's intranet.
  • Contribute to workforce reporting, organisational development initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a strategic thinker with strong policy, governance and workforce planning capabilities who enjoys collaborating with stakeholders and driving improvement.

You will bring:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Public Administration, Organisational Development, Business, Management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, workforce analysis and strategic workforce initiatives. 
  • Experience developing, reviewing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
  • Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments and workforce compliance requirements. 
  • Experience preparing reports, policy documents and briefings for executive-level audiences. 
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills.
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in a dynamic environment. 

What we offer

  • Competitive salary of $89,613.98 to $96,656.50 per annum plus superannuation
  • The opportunity to lead and influence Council's workforce planning, policy development and strategic people initiatives. 
  • A collaborative and supportive People and Culture team environment where your expertise contributes to organisational success. 
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development across workforce strategy, governance, policy and organisational development.
  • The chance to shape workforce capability, gender equality initiatives and long-term organisational sustainability.
  • A flexible and progressive workplace culture guided by Council's values of respect, integrity, inclusion and accountability. 
  • Meaningful work that supports our people, strengthens organisational capability and delivers positive outcomes for the Colac Otway community. 

Ready to make an impact?

If you're passionate about workforce planning, governance, policy development and creating positive organisational outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future workforce of Colac Otway Shire Council.

Applications close Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11.59pm

For further information and to apply

Applicants are encouraged to download and review the Position Description which includes the key selection criteria for the role.

Information to be included with your application:

  • Letter of application
  • Current resume

Written responses to the key selection criteria are not required as part of the application process. The selection criteria outlined in the Position Description will be assessed during the interview process.

Please note: we reserve the right to conduct interviews with suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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Colac Otway Shire Council is collecting personal information from you as part of the recruitment and selection process. Colac Otway Shire Council recognises the importance of privacy and is committed to ensuring the privacy of your personal information collected and/or received by us. For further information please visit the Privacy Statement page on our website.


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About Colac

Colac Otway Shire is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria. It comprises spectacular coastal areas, rain-forested hinterlands and beautiful vast open plains with native grasslands and wildflowers.

From the Great Ocean Road towns of Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill, to the beacon of the Cape Otway Lighthouse, the cascading waterfalls, nature trails and native wildlife, the lush tree ferns of the rainforests and tall timber of the Otway forest, Colac Otway has it all. Country living without compromise.

Colac Otway Shire Council is an amazing place to work. If you are passionate about delivering great customer service, working for a progressive and innovative council, and making a difference to your local community, browse the current vacancies below.