Head of People & Culture

Interim Head of People & Culture
3-month contract (potential to extend) | Immediate start
Melbourne West (Hybrid)

This is not your typical HR leadership role.

We are partnering with a purpose-led, early learning organisation undergoing significant transformation, seeking an Interim Head of People & Culture to step in and stabilise, reset and rebuild the function.

Operating across 30+ centres with a workforce of approximately 500, this organisation plays a critical role in supporting children and families across Melbourne's west. A new CEO is leading a period of change, with a strong focus on improving capability, consistency and systems across the business.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on, high-impact interim assignment where you will work directly with the CEO to bring structure, clarity and momentum to the people function.

You will step into a fast-moving environment with a mix of operational challenges and longer-term uplift required - this is about execution, not theory.

Key Focus Areas

• Stabilise the HR function and rebuild credibility across the organisation
• Manage complex, high-volume employee relations matters
• Assess team capability and structure, making clear decisions where required
• Address immediate recruitment challenges (c.40 vacancies)
• Improve core people processes (onboarding, compliance, systems)
• Provide advice on the future structure of the P&C team and long-term leadership

The Environment

This is a business in transition - moving from an informal, legacy structure toward a more consistent and scalable operating model.

It's a busy, at times reactive environment, and success will come from someone who can quickly assess, prioritise and act.

The CEO is commercially astute and hands-on, looking for a trusted partner who can operate with pace and sound judgement.

About You

You will be a pragmatic, execution-led People leader who is comfortable stepping into complex environments and making things happen.

• Proven experience in HR leadership roles within service-based or distributed workforce environments (eg NFP, healthcare, aged care, education, retail)
• Highly hands-on - willing to lead from the front and get into the detail
• Strong capability across employee relations, team leadership and organisational decision-making
• Experience stabilising or building underdeveloped people functions
• Comfortable working with non-corporate teams and frontline leaders
• Able to balance structure with pragmatism - no over-engineering

The Details

• Duration: 3-month contract (potential to extend)
• Location: Ravenhall (with parking onsite)
• Work model: Hybrid (minimum 2 days onsite)
• Salary: Up to $220k + super (pro rata / day rate equivalent)
• Start: Immediate
• Flexibility: Open to 4 or 5 days per week

Why consider this role?

This is a genuine opportunity to reset a function, influence senior leadership thinking, and leave a lasting impact.

If you enjoy stepping into complex environments, bringing clarity and momentum, and working closely with a dynamic CEO, this will strongly appeal.