Head of People & Culture

Job title : Head of People & Culture
Location : Sydney
Job type : Contract or Temp
Contact name : Daniel Connors
Contact email : dconnors@sharpandcarter.com.au
Job reference : 1679990
Sharp & Carter are partnering with a purpose-led community organisation seeking an experienced Head of People & Culture during a key period of organisational evolution. This is an opportunity for an experienced influential leader to make meaningful impact across an organisation that is deeply committed to community outcomes.

As a senior member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape culture, uplift capability, and deliver a contemporary & trusted People service. With a strong focus on Employee & Industrial relations, this role leads People Partnering, Learning & Development, Work Health & Safety, Recruitment, and Compliance & Governance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the end-to-end People & Culture portfolio, including partnering, organisational change, WHS, L&D, talent acquisition and compliance, while building a customer-focused People function.
  • Strengthen employee experience across a dispersed workforce through practical People initiatives.
  • Manage complex ER/IR matters including union engagement, enterprise agreement negotiations, investigations and dispute resolution, and coach leaders to navigate ER issues.
  • Design and deliver organisation-wide change initiatives, ensuring leaders are equipped to lead through transition and teams are supported throughout.
  • Partner closely with senior leaders to embed a values-aligned culture and drive engagement across the organisation.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on workforce strategy, change impacts, communication approaches and risk mitigation.
  • Provide high-quality board and executive reporting including workforce analytics, KPIs and insights to support informed, timely decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with awards, remuneration frameworks, legislation and regulatory requirements across the People portfolio.
About You
You are a strategic and hands-on People leader who thrives in complex, service-based environments. You bring:
  • Tertiary qualifications and substantial experience in senior HR leadership roles.
  • Deep expertise in Employee & Industrial Relations, including union engagement and EA negotiations.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and resolve complex ER/IR issues.
  • Proven experience leading organisation-wide change and supporting leaders through transition.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills including with CEO, Board, and senior leaders.
  • A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with the ability to scale and modernise frameworks.
  • A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.
What’s on Offer
  • The opportunity to lead the People function during a pivotal organisational period.
  • Hybrid working arrangements where operationally suitable.
  • A purpose-driven environment grounded in strong values and a clear social mission.
  • Professional development opportunities and support for career growth.
  • Attractive NFP salary packaging benefits.
  • Wellbeing initiatives, flexible work, and a workforce rewards program.
How to Apply
If you’re a people-centred HR leader looking to make meaningful impact in a purpose-led organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, reach out to Daniel Connors on 0413 100 931