Courts Administration Authority
Job reference: 844367
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Director, People and Culture

The Courts Administration Authority (CAA) is seeking a highly credible executive leader to serve as Director, People and Culture. The CAA is an independent statutory authority responsible for providing administrative support to South Australia’s courts, enabling the proper administration of justice.

This is a pivotal role supporting the State Courts Administrator and Executive Leadership Team, and plays a critical part in shaping the culture, capability and workforce of a complex and values‑driven organisation. You will be central to advancing the CAA’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive and high‑performing workplace.

About the Role

Reporting to the State Courts Administrator, you will lead the People and Culture function and provide high‑level strategic and operational advice across the CAA. Working in close partnership with executive and senior leaders, you will develop and implement contemporary people and culture strategies that support organisational performance, workforce sustainability and cultural change.

Key accountabilities include:

• Leadership and development of the People and Culture function, including payroll
• Strategic workforce planning, organisational and cultural change
• Employee and industrial relations, including engagement with unions and tribunals
• Learning and development, performance management and recruitment
• Work health and safety, return to work and wellbeing initiatives
• Policy development, governance and legislative compliance
• Building strong internal and external partnerships across government

This is a visible executive role operating in a complex, high‑trust environment, requiring sound judgement and discretion in managing sensitive and time‑critical matters.

About You

You are an experienced senior people and culture leader with:

• Proven executive‑level leadership in human resources within complex organisations
• Strong judgement and credibility advising executive leaders on sensitive matters
• Demonstrated success leading organisational change and building capability
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and influencing skills
• The ability to lead calmly and effectively in complex and dynamic environments
• High‑level political acumen and the ability to navigate public sector operating contexts

Qualifications in human resources or a related discipline are desirable.

Why Apply

This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the people and culture strategy of an organisation that plays a vital role in South Australia’s justice system. As Director, People and Culture, you will influence outcomes at the highest level, partnering with executive leaders to build organisational capability, foster a respectful and inclusive culture, and support the delivery of justice through a sustainable and engaged workforce. If you are motivated by purpose‑driven leadership and seek a role with genuine impact, autonomy and influence, this position offers a compelling executive challenge.

Special Conditions

The following special conditions apply to this position:

• Appointment is under the Courts Administration Act 1993. Terms and Conditions of employment are governed by the Public Sector Act 2009.
• Appointment is dependent upon a current National Police Certificate that the CAA finds satisfactory.
• As a justice agency, the CAA may receive details of spent convictions as part of any Criminal History Screening and use this information in the selection process.

Enquiries

Kathi Behncke
Executive Officer
(08) 8208 7953
Kathi.Behncke@courts.sa.gov.au

Additional Information 

• All applications must be submitted online through the I Work for SA website.
• Refer to the CAA Applicant Kit and attach your resume and cover letter as a single document. 
• The CAA is committed to creating a workforce which reflects the wider community, as well as providing a working environment which embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  We encourage and welcome applications from individuals across diverse community groups and are committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment process and workplace. People with a disability are encouraged to apply.  

For further information about the CAA please visit the CAA website.

Applications close: 25/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- CAA Applicant Kit 2023.pdf
- Director People and Culture, Job Profile - May 2026.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.