Head of People & Culture

Join a for-purpose Australian media organisation, where you’ll lead the HR function and support the people behind factual journalism.

Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the executive team, this is a broad, hands-on role combining operational HR with responsibility for culture, industrial relations, employee wellbeing and the implementation of a new HRIS.

What you'll be doing

• Advise the CEO, editors and department heads across a broad range of people matters
• Manage the employee lifecycle across permanent, part-time, casual and freelance workforces, including contracts, onboarding and offboarding
• Lead employee relations, performance management, disputes and grievances, drawing on external advice where needed
• Manage Enterprise Agreement and award compliance, union relationships and future bargaining processes
• Lead the evaluation, selection and implementation of a new HRIS, improving workflows and workforce reporting
• Develop practical initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement and connection across the workforce
• Build training, mentoring and professional development plans, and coach leaders on performance and feedback
• Lead WHS and wellbeing arrangements, including risk assessments and support for journalists exposed to high-risk environments or traumatic reporting
• Partner with Payroll and Finance on remuneration, workforce budgeting and employment costs
• Strengthen policies, statutory compliance, WGEA reporting and gender pay gap reviews

What we're looking for

We’re looking for an experienced HR leader who can independently run a broad function while improving the systems, processes and support around it.

You’ll be comfortable advising senior leaders, navigating unionised environments and making practical recommendations on complex employee matters.

Just as importantly, you’ll be willing to get involved in the day-to-day work. This is a role suited to someone who takes ownership, follows through and remains calm when priorities change.

You'll bring:

• At least seven years of progressive HR experience, including two to three years leading HR for a workforce of 80 or more
• A degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business or a related discipline
• Experience supporting a mixed workforce of permanent employees, casuals and freelance contractors
• Strong industrial relations experience, including unions, Enterprise Agreements and modern awards
• Sound knowledge of Australian employment legislation and independent contractor requirements
• Experience independently managing complex employee relations and performance matters
• A track record of leading or implementing an HRIS or ATS
• Confidence constructively challenging stakeholders and guiding leaders through change
• Practical experience across WHS, psychosocial safety and employee wellbeing

Experience in media, publishing, technology or another fast-paced operational environment will be highly regarded.

What's on offer?

• Report directly to the CEO and contribute as a member of the executive team
• Shape the HR function, with ownership of systems, culture and key people initiatives
• Access not-for-profit salary-packaging benefits
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of three days per week in the Sydney office

Apply now or contact Geri Condon at The Onset on [email protected]