General Manager - People & Culture

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport at all levels. Its role is to increase involvement in sport and enable continued international sporting success through leadership and development of a cohesive and effective sports sector, targeted financial support and the operation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

The General Manager, People and Culture provides strategic leadership of the ASC’s people agenda, positioning the organisation to anticipate workforce trends, respond to emerging challenges, and deliver high-impact people plans that support long-term organisational success. The role drives agency-wide alignment between workforce capability, employee experience and strategic priorities.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager of the Diversity, People and Culture Group, the General Manager operates as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the ASC Executive. It leads the development and delivery of workforce strategy, planning, recruitment, performance and culture initiatives that enhance organisational performance, embed integrity and foster a positive, inclusive and values-aligned employee experience.

As the GM, People and Culture, you will be responsible for ensuring the ASC has the right capability, agility and diversity to meet current and future organisational challenges. You will shape and oversee the integration of workforce planning and talent management frameworks, including workforce forecasting and scenario planning. Championing a strong, values-led culture aligned with the ASC’s principles of being people-first, achievement-focused, and united through a one team mindset that fosters psychological safety, inclusion, wellbeing and inclusive leadership at all levels. Driving continuous improvement of the People and Culture operating model, you will shape and oversee the ASC;s architecture, including the enterprise bargaining strategy, employment policy, and workforce compliance with relevant legislation and public sector standards. The role will require you to lead the development and delivery of Work Health and Safety (WHS) strategy and compliance, promoting prevention, wellbeing, mental health, and sustainable return-to-work outcomes across a safe and healthy workplace. Empowering and inspiring a team of 15 people in the People and Culture branch, to be positive, high performing and values-driven, you will align your people to the high quality and outcomes implicit in the ASC’s agenda.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Extensive senior leadership experience driving strategic people and culture initiatives, workforce transformation, and organisational capability development, with a record of success in complex reform

Deep knowledge of Commonwealth employment frameworks, industrial relations, public sector legislation, and contemporary HR practices, with the ability to manage complex workforce matters

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence senior executives, Boards and government stakeholders

Strong strategic and analytical capability, with a proven ability to translate strategic intent into actionable plans and performance outcomes, in dynamic environments

Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and discretion

Experience working in or with the Commonwealth Public Service or a comparable statutory or regulatory environment is not essential but is valued

Demonstrated authenticity, emotional intelligence, and steady leadership in complex or high-stakes settings – with the ability to navigate pressure constructively, maintain professionalism, and model the organisation’s values in both calm and challenging circumstances

A commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct

Tertiary qualifications in human resources, business, public administration or a related field are not essential but will be considered favourably

You will be required to travel and / or be present in the Canberra office of the ASC on a regular basis to fulfil role responsibilities.

How to apply To download a copy of the candidate information pack, please visit https://www.derwentsearch.com.au/job-results#OurOpportunities and select the role title.

For specific enquiries, please contact Emma Alberici at publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au referencing 33586. Applications close: 11:59pm 24th November 2025.

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