Operations & People Lead - PLMSP

Operations & People Lead – PLMSP Join Palladium: Make It Possible as the Operations & People Lead for the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP). About PLMSP The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor‑Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The PLMSP role supports the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in those countries to enable workers to access the PALM scheme inclusively, maximising benefits while minimising risks. Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT. This Opportunity The Operations & People Lead, as a member of the PLMSP Senior Leadership Team (SLT), will ensure efficient and effective delivery of all support services across the project. With the support of the Deputy Team Leader, the role oversees operations, program finance, budgeting, procurement, contracting, HR and human resources, talent acquisition, capacity building, performance development, and health, risk and safety. This fixed‑term opportunity ends September 2028 and is based in our Brisbane office. Operational Responsibilities 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. Qualifications & Experience 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 organisations 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. How To Apply To apply visit Please submit your application online, including your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position. 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 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 due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email 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”. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding‑focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process. We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing your disability will not negatively affect your application. If you would like further information or assistance with this, please contact #J-18808-Ljbffr