Location: Sydney or Melbourne
Type: Permanent, full time
Hybrid, happy to talk flexible working
The opportunity
A rare and impactful opportunity has arisen to join our AUSPAC People team as Head of Advisory Services — a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of three critical teams: Workplace Relations, Work Health and Safety (WHS), and Leader Assist (which provides advice and support to People Leaders on navigating people-related matters).
Your new role
Reporting to the General Manager – Talent and Partnering, this role is ideal for a seasoned people leader who thrives in complex environments. You will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and thought leadership to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality, and compliant people services. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to uplift capability, manage risk, and drive continuous improvement across the employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop high-performing teams across Workplace Relations, WHS, and Leader Assist, ensuring alignment with business and people strategies.
Oversee the management of complex Employee Relations / Industrial Relations matters, enterprise-wide initiatives, and the development of compliant and pragmatic workplace relations frameworks.
Set the strategic direction for WHS programs, ensuring legislative compliance, risk mitigation, and a proactive safety and wellbeing culture.
Drive the design and delivery of services through our Leader Assist team that supports people leaders with timely, expert guidance and process excellence.
Use data and insights to identify trends, inform decision-making, and proactively address people-related risks and opportunities.
Partner with senior leaders to embed people strategies into business planning and lead the uplift of capability across the broader People team.
About you:
You are a seasoned HR leader with deep expertise across employee relations, safety, and advisory services.
You bring:
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary people teams in complex, matrixed environments.
Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, WHS frameworks, and best practice HR service delivery.
A strategic mindset with the ability to translate insights into action and influence senior stakeholders.
A collaborative and people-centred leadership style, with a passion for coaching and capability uplift.
A track record of driving continuous improvement and delivering measurable outcomes.
An employment law background would be highly advantageous particularly in navigating complex ER/IR matters and shaping policy and governance frameworks.
The recruitment process will include 2-3 stages of interview, psychometric assessments and background checks.
About QBE
We can never really predict what’s around the corner, but at QBE we’re asking the right questions to enable a more resilient future – helping those around us build strength and embrace change to their advantage. We’re an international insurer that’s building momentum towards realising our vision of becoming the most consistent and innovative risk partner.
And our people will be at the centre of our success. We’re proud to work together, and encourage each other enable resilience for our customers, our environment, our economies and our communities. With more than more than 13,000 people working across 27 countries, we’re big enough to make a real impact, but small enough to provide a friendly workplace, where people are down-to-earth, passionate and kind.
We believe this is our moment – what if it was yours too? Your career at QBE — let’s make it happen!
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:
‘Hybrid Working’ – a mix of working from home and in the office to enhance your work/life balance
Life Leave, supporting the life events we all experience, leaving your annual leave for rest
Free holistic wellbeing coaching, nutritional, confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
18 weeks’ gender-equal flexible leave for all new parents, including paid super
Voluntary super contributions and company matching
Income protection insurance & reimbursed Death and Total Permanent Disability insurance premiums
A range of discounts on insurance products, car hire, hotels, goods and services
Rewards & Recognition
We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:
2025 Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE program
2023 Most Inclusive Workplace at the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards
2021 LinkedIn Top Employer & HRD Employer of Choice
2020 Best Workplace Diversity & Inclusion and Excellence Award for Best Health & Wellbeing at the Australian HR Awards
Platinum employer on the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) – the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion
Ranked in the top ten in the AAGE Top Graduate Employers 2025 for medium sized program as voted by graduates
Family Friendly Workplace accredited employer since 2021
Apply now
APPLY NOW and let’s make it happen!
Click APPLY to submit your application. Successful applicants will need to complete work rights, police and credit checks through our online provider as a condition of employment.
QBE recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experience. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are. If we can provide support with access requirements, alternative work arrangements or you would like to connect with one of our networks please contact us at [email protected]
Skills:
Application Close Date: 04/08/2025 11:59 PMHow to Apply:
To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.
Top Skills
QBE Insurance Sydney, New South Wales, AUS Office
388 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000
