🔔 Opportunity: Executive Manager – People Strategy & Programs (AO8)

We’re currently seeking expressions of interest for a 6-month temporary backfill opportunity within the State Emergency Service People, Culture and Sustainability team.

This is a unique leadership role where you’ll shape and deliver initiatives that strengthen workforce strategy, volunteer experience, and organisational capability across SES Queensland.

As Executive Manager, you will:

• Lead strategic people and culture initiatives with statewide impact
• Drive volunteer attraction, retention and recognition programs
• Partner with senior stakeholders to influence outcomes
• Lead and develop a high-performing team

This role is ideal for someone with experience in HR, organisational development or workforce strategy, and a passion for contributing to a purpose-driven, volunteer-based organisation.

📍 Nundah (flexible full-time)

⏳ 6-month opportunity

🗓️ Applications close 21 May 2026

If you're looking for your next leadership opportunity and want to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Apply via email with your brief CV and a 1-page statement addressing your qualifications, experience, achievements and capabilities in relation to the role to Scott.revell@ses.qld.gov.au

📞 For more information, contact Scott Revell Scott.revell@ses.qld.gov.au

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More details on the role below:

Our Team

The SES People Strategy and Programs team supports the SES workforce strategy, focusing on attracting and retaining a skilled, diverse volunteer and staff workforce.

The team delivers key initiatives across recruitment, learning and development, and culture. This includes recognition and reward programs that support both volunteers and staff. The team also monitors and evaluates these activities to ensure they are effective and meet relevant policies and regulations.

In this role, you will lead initiatives that support and enhance the volunteer experience—from recruitment through to retirement. You will help strengthen how we attract, develop and recognise our volunteers.

You will work closely with key stakeholders to develop, implement and review volunteer opportunities and career pathways. Your work will help build workforce capability and foster a positive, future-focused SES culture.

Key Accountabilities

The core capability requirements for this role are:

• Provide strategic advice, support, and recommendations to senior executives on innovative volunteer recruitment, recognition and retention strategies which enhance the experience of SES volunteers and staff.
• Develop and evaluate strategies that improve volunteer attraction, recruitment and workplace culture, including researching emerging trends and challenges, to support service delivery and build workforce capability.
• Develop and implement a workforce plan and drive the execution of strategies and activities that improve volunteer and staff experiences, including refining the volunteer lifecycle.
• Lead and manage capability projects that continuously improve career opportunities for volunteers and staff and that contribute to an inclusive SES culture which align with organisational priorities.
• Lead, plan and implement the SES Honours and Awards program to ensure effective and timely recognition of volunteers and staff.
• Build and sustain partnerships and networks with internal and external stakeholders to effectively liaise and negotiate agreed outcomes on difficult and complex agreements, projects and program issues.
• Represent the department on high-level state committees, meetings, forums and working groups, and facilitating workshops and meetings, to ensure best practice planning, development, review and implementation of operational policy and procedures.
• Lead and manage a small team, fostering teamwork and managing financial, budget and human resource activities, including ongoing development of staff through performance, planning and review.

Applicant Requirements - Highly Desirable:

Knowledge and experience in contemporary HR/ organisational development and/or organisational psychology and best practice. An appreciation, or an ability to quickly develop this appreciation, of undertaking an organisational development/HR function within a volunteer organisation.

Company Description

The State Emergency Service (SES) is the heart of community resilience in Queensland, powered by dedicated volunteers and supported by passionate professionals. We are a dynamic, community-focused organisation committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment during emergencies and disasters. From responding to severe weather events and floods to conducting search and rescue operations, SES volunteers are the backbone of our efforts, working tirelessly to make a real difference when it matters most.

As an SES volunteer or employee, you’ll be part of a team that embodies connection, integrity and respect, providing critical support to communities in their time of greatest need. Together, we’re building safer, stronger, and more prepared communities across Queensland. Join us and be the difference!