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Public Sector People are excited to announce a new appointment to our growing Public Sector People team- the appointment of our NSW State Manager, Alex Scott! While Alex is not entirely new to the organisation (he's worked for partner company Design & Build for 10 years!) he's decided to make the transition from private to public sector recruitment and will be focused on developing the PSP brand in NSW.
While Public Sector People has long serviced the NSW market across Local and State Government, having an experienced and dedicated leader like Alex at the helm, will allow us to further capitalise on the great opportunities within New South Wales, help to cement our vision of being the most trusted recruitment agency in Australia and grow our brand across Australia's East Coast.
We caught up with Alex this week, to learn more about Alex's move to Public Sector People, his new role and his goals for the Sydney PSP branch moving forward. Read his answers below:
Congratulations on your new role with PSP Alex! You’ve come on board as our NSW State Manager. Can you tell us a little bit more about the role and the key things you’ll be working on?
Thanks, the focus of the role is to help build on the great work the PSP guys have done in Sydney and continue to establish the brand across public sector recruitment in NSW. We’ll do this by having a bought-in team who all individually share the same values as the company does; building trust.
You’ve actually worked at our partner company, Design & Build for over 10 years. What made you make the switch to working within the Public Sector space?
When I first joined, Matt Larner (PSP Associate Director) was always one of the high performers and seeing the work both he and Tom Dumper (PSP Managing Director) have put in over the years, especially since Public Sector People became a separate entity, has been really impressive to watch. I think there are some great opportunities within the Public Sector space, so I wanted to get more involved with this. I've also recruited Engineers into Government projects for 10+ years individually and desk wise it’s a seamless move. Also, the values that underpin Public Sector People and Design & Build are the same, so from a personal perspective it doesn’t feel like a big move, I'm still working within the same company just taking a different step forwards. In terms of the business plan, I went through with Tom and the training program the guys at PSP go through with Matt and Leanne (PSP's Learning & Development Manager), I was really impressed and think there is a great opportunity for both experienced and associate recruitment consultants within PSP so it’s a great time to join!!
You have extensive recruitment experience in engineering roles and therefore have worked very closely with a lot of councils and public sector organisations – how do you think this experience will help you in your new role?
I think it will help me considerably! I will be focusing on Senior to Executive roles on a retained search basis and the process doesn’t change whether I'm recruiting for these roles within D&B or PSP. Added to that, a lot of candidates and clients I know have made the jump from the private sector to the public sector - be that at Councils or at State Government level - so for me I don’t see a difference in what I need to do day-to-day.
This is an exciting role for Public Sector People as it’s establishing our first State Manager in NSW. When recruiting within a new market or location, what do you think is most important when reaching out to new clients and candidates?
Communication; being able to get out there and tell people who we are and what we do. What’s important is that it doesn’t matter who from PSP calls or goes to a meeting, but our overall message must be consistent, and our values (honest communication, focus, feedback and care) must shine through.
What do you find unique about working with clients and candidates within government agencies/local council?
There’s more of a process to follow but that’s a positive as it should mean there are no hidden surprises! Government agencies are also more driven by outcomes than costs or fluctuations in the market. Again, the basics of recruitment don’t change as we’re dealing with people at the end of the day. Every person is an individual - be that a client or a candidate - so it is important you take your time to get to know what outcomes they are looking for so you can deliver and build trust with them.
Why do you think it’s such an exciting time for job opportunities in NSW at the moment – especially within the Public Sector?
Government jobs always offer stability and tend to offer greater degrees of flexibility and care for their employees when compared with the private sector. Given the past 2+ years and all that has happened and how busy the market is now, being able to offer your candidates greater flexibility and work-life balance is critical and always comes back to the top of the list in terms of what candidates want. So, I think there has never been a better time to work in the public sector!
What are your key goals moving forward both in your new role and for the PSP Sydney office?
For the PSP Sydney PSP office, we want to achieve sustainable growth and we also want to incorporate our learning and development scheme into this growth, so that we can be a one-stop-shop for all government recruitment. The nature of recruitment means your goals are always moving and growing so for me what is most important is having a motivated and engaged team that knows what they are doing and why they are doing it. This then motivates them to achieve their individual goals which feed in turn feeds into the broader team's goals.
When you’re not at work where are we most likely to find you?
Walking my dog, shanking it on the golf course or a pub!
What does prioritising people mean to you?
Literally what it says, when working in recruitment it is all about people. We don’t have a product or a physical service to provide we are there to create opportunities for people. If you don’t put people at the heart of your service, you won’t be successful. You can only achieve the right outcome if you have done right by all people involved along the way.
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Interested in finding out more about Alex's new position and the opportunities he'll be working on in the NSW space? He can be contacted on:
Email: ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Phone: 0424 150 589
Learning and Development Business Partner Full time perm role $115k - $128k + super ORGANISATION: Our client is a Local Government organisation, looking to engage an experienced Learning and Development Business Partner on a full time basis and can start someone as soon as their notice allows. ROLE: The role is a really exciting one for someone who is looking to truly add value. It operates cross all levels engaging with the executive through to frontline teams. They have the opportunity to make a true difference and add value, it is a great opportunity for someone who has solid experience in end to end L&D so everything from conducting LNA’s to helping develop the L&D Strategy to designing and facilitating soft skills and leadership based programs in line with contemporary learning modes and adult learning principles. ABOUT YOU: To be successful, you will be degree qualified, or working towards this, in Adult Education or similar. You will bring at least 5 years’ experience in an L&OD function and can demonstrate your skills in designing, delivering and implementing initiatives across leadership development, capability frameworks, coaching and mentoring, talent development, engagement & culture programs whilst ensuring you bring the organisation and your P&C team on the journey. Additionally, you can demonstrate your excellent communication skills with stakeholders, both internal and external and at all levels of our organisation. WHAT'S ON OFFER: A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements 14 weeks paid parental leave Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years Central location (Public transport at THE door, discounted parking) Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year) Learning and Development opportunities Health and Wellbeing programs For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
HR Recruitment Advisor Immediate Start $55 Per hour + Super ORGANISATION: Our client is a Local Government organisation, looking to engage an experienced Recruitment Advisor for a 6 month contract role. ROLE: This role will be responsible for the provision of recruitment support across Council and supporting the design, development, delivery and continuous improvement of Talent Acquisition related services including policies, procedures, forms and tools to support manager and employees across the business. IDEAL CANDIDATE: At least 3 years experience in end to end recruitment, including drafting job advertisements and interviewing Abilty to build effective working relationships Effective verbal and written communciation skills Demonstrated understanding of HR policies and practices in order to understand the linkages between Talent Acquisition and other practice areas For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
Senior Policy Advisor Immediate Start 6+ month contract ORGANISATION: Our client is a Local Government organisation, looking to engage an experienced Senior Policy Advisor for a 6+ month contract role. ROLE: To provide high-level support, analysis and strategic advice on a broad range of matters to the Offices of the Mayor and General Manager. Undertake research and analysis on a broad range of local and national matters when required Liaise with Members of Parliament, government agencies, professional industry, business and community groups on wide range of policy issues Develop and maintain a high-level understanding of current government policies, structures and processes Attend meetings and forums as required, including Council meetings Work with relevant Council business units to contribute to the development of representations, advocacy efforts and media presence Research and write mayoral and council reports, speeches, briefings and other written material, as required, that is relevant, timely, accurate and has a high impact Other duties as required to support the Offices of the Mayor and General Manager IDEAL CANDIDATE: Tertiary degree(s) in a relevant discipline such as policy, politics, public relations or communications Current Class C Drivers Licence Substantial experience in policy, research and analysis Demonstrated understanding of political processes and experience in working within a political and executive environment Demonstrated outstanding written communication skills, including substantial experience in preparing reports, briefings, speeches and other related material For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
Projects and Change Lead The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring projects and change initiatives meet deadlines, coordinating projects and people, drive employee adoption and other business improvement initiatives. A primary responsibility will be creating and implementing change management strategies and plans that maximise employee adoption and usage and minimise resistance. The position reports directly to the Director and will covers a great range of projects and offers a unique chance to promote operational excellence across safety, customer service, team work and innovation. About you Tertiary qualifications in Business Communications, Organisational Development, Project management, or related discipline Change management certification Minimum 3 years’ experience in end-to-end improvement or business transformation project delivery; including but not limited to communications, managing change projects and delivering results to maximise efficiencies. Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with and motivate teams across the organisation Able to work effectively at all levels in an organisation An understanding of local government and its diverse services and industries An understanding of either engineering, asset management or environmental sustainability is favorable In return on offer is a great role, good salary and flexbile working conditions. Due to the role being with a local council being vaccinated is a mandatory requirement. For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
About the role: The Specialist Surveyor is responsible for the efficient and effective assessment of subdivision related applications, and other small scale development related applications as needed, and providing expert advice to ensure planning and development proposals meet statutory requirements, and the City’s policies and objectives. Key Responsibilities: Provide expert advice to Directors Planning, Development and Transport and other senior managers in the Division on land and subdivision related matters to make informed decisions. Effective analysis and assessment of complex surveying and legal issues associated with development applications, subdivision certificates and strata certificates, and ensure that subdivision meets statutory requirements, and Council’s policies and objectives. Maintain status as a surveyor registered under the Surveying and Spatial Information Act 2002 including undertaking training and staying abreast of all relevant legislation and directions applicable to the performance of the duties of a Specialist Surveyor. Deliver high quality customer service to applicants, residents and other stakeholders in the City through the provision of expert advice on relevant processes, policies and regulations. Deliver evidence and appear as an expert witness on behalf of Council in the Land and Environment Court and Local Court in accordance with legislative requirements and regulations. For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
About the role: This is a great opportunity for an experienced Registered Surveyor to work on a broad range of Survey projects. We can get someone started pretty much as soon as their notice allows and think there are some great projects to get stuck in to with some attractive overtime and benefits on offer. Key Responsibilities: Maintain registration with Board of Surveying and Spatial Information as a Registered Land Surveyor. Completion of surveys within time required. Maintenance of up to date survey records. High standard of surveys. Accurate and timely survey advice to Council staff. Key Skills required: Be a NSW Registered Land Surveyor, under the Surveying Act 2002 Extensive survey experience Current NSW registration with Board of Surveying and Spatial Information as a Registered Land Surveyor NSW Drivers Licence Knowledge of applicable legislation/regulations Computer literate Demonstrated commitment to customer service Ability to work within a team environment Availability to work flexible working hours Benefits of the role include great projects, great team, good salary and a 5 day working week - no weekend work. Rarely go over 7 hours a day and also flexbile / hybrid work models and generous overtime rates on offer. For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.
Governance Officer Immediate Start $54 Per hour + Super ORGANISATION: Our client is a Local Government organisation, looking to engage an experienced Governance Officer for a 10 month contract role. ROLE: This role plays a key role within the unit and provides governance advice, support and assistance to the Manager Governance, Group Manager Corporate Strategy & Governance and organisation as a whole. The role is also responsible for the management of Council’s delegations and legislative compliance obligations, Council’s Code of Conduct obligations and the delivery of major governance related projects. IDEAL CANDIDATE: Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business Administration, Local Government, Commerce or similar relevant area, and/or extensive experience in a similar role. Demonstrated experience in local government administration including experience in meeting procedures and practices and code of conduct. Experience in the administration and training of business paper systems and mobile technology for the electronic distribution of agendas and minutes. For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with Public Sector People and our clients please contact Alex Scott on 0424 150 589 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration.