Orygen is Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and a global leader in early intervention, research, and system reform. Uniquely integrating world‑leading research, clinical services, education and workforce development, and policy influence, Orygen translates evidence into real‑world impact to improve the lives of young people experiencing mental ill‑health.
About the Role
A key member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role provides strategic leadership across people, culture, workplace relations, safety and wellbeing. This role exists at a pivotal time for Orygen and offers a significant opportunity to shape and lead the next phase of people and capability development across the organisation.
Leading a team of 11 specialists, the CPO oversees business partnering, talent acquisition, reward, organisational development, work health and safety, and volunteer engagement. The role operates at both strategic and operational levels, partnering closely with executives, Board committees, and senior leaders to ensure people strategies are aligned with Orygen’s mission, governance obligations, and long‑term sustainability.
About Success
Key indicators of success will include:
- A strong, contemporary People & Culture function that is trusted, high‑performing and value‑adding
- Clear alignment between people strategy, organisational priorities, and Orygen’s purpose
- Robust, transparent and effective workplace relations and governance frameworks
- Measurable improvements in employee engagement, leadership capability and workforce sustainability
- A proactive, integrated approach to wellbeing and psychosocial safety, appropriate to a mental health environment
- Leaders and teams equipped to deliver impact at scale in a complex, evolving system
You are a seasoned People & Culture executive with the credibility and emotional intelligence to operate effectively at executive and Board level. You bring both strategic depth and hands‑on capability, with a proven ability to lead complex people agendas, influence senior stakeholders and embed sustainable change across health, research, NFP or similarly complex environments.
Your experience spans enterprise HR leadership, industrial relations and governance, organisational change, workforce planning, and leadership and talent development. You are collaborative and pragmatic in style, confident using data to inform decision‑making, and motivated by purpose‑led work where people, culture and impact are central to organisational success.
About Culture & Benefits
Orygen offers a purpose‑driven, inclusive and values‑led environment, united by a commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people. The organisation fosters a collegiate, intellectually rich culture grounded in collaboration, respect and evidence‑based practice, supported by flexible work arrangements, strong wellbeing initiatives and not‑for‑profit benefits. This opportunity is offered as a three‑year fixed executive contract, providing the chance to make a meaningful, lasting impact at scale.
About Applying
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For specific questions about this role, please contact Lisa Hammond at lhammond@thenextstep.com.au or Paul Bridgewater at pbridgewater@thenextgroup.com.au