People Culture Manager

About Gray Puksand
Gray Puksand is an Australian architecture and integrated design practice with over 130 highly engaged design professionals across 4 studios in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra.

Our vision is to create an inspired future with beautiful, authentic and considered projects that improve the way people work, learn and live.

Individually, we are accomplished, curious, imaginative designers. Collectively, we are a diverse national team, applying a consistent design methodology to deliver successful projects for our clients and the people who inhabit them.

About The Role
At Gray Puksand, design is more than just aesthetics – it's about shaping environments that inspire and connect people. As a leading architecture and design practice, our success is built on the talent, passion, and collaboration of our people.

We are looking for a strategic and people-centric People + Culture Manager to join our leadership team, on a part-time basis (3 days per week) for a parental leave contract of 9-12 months.

This role will be instrumental in cultivating a creative, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that empowers our design professionals and support teams to do their best work.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role works closely with Partners and other leaders, including support professionals across Marketing + Bids, Finance, Quality + Delivery, and Design Technology.

Getting to work is a breeze as we are located a short walk from Southern Cross and Flagstaff stations, and Bourke and Collins Street trams. In addition, we have outstanding end of trip facilities with lockers and towel service.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you'll lead and evolve our people strategy – from talent acquisition and employee experience to professional development and learning + development initiatives. You will be supported by a dedicated People + Culture Coordinator who you will work closely with to ensure our studios are not just a place of work, but a place to grow, create, and thrive.

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support our creative and commercial goals, including capability frameworks and skills matrix
• Oversee recruitment campaigns
• Manage resourcing and workforce planning across all projects nationally
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies across the practice, in conjunction with our DE+I Group
• Enhance employee engagement, performance management, and career development frameworks including learning and development initiatives
• Manage onboarding processes and policies
• Support Partners and others in the Leadership group with all HR related operations
• Foster a positive and value-led studio culture through initiatives and events

About You
You understand the unique nuances and challenges of the creative industry, and how project driven business operates. Equally, you are passionate about building teams with innovation, collaboration, and wellbeing at the forefront. To be successful in this role you will need:

• 5+ years of HR Leadership experience (ideally in a design or related industry environment)
• A strong understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and people operations
• Experience working closely with leadership teams
• Excellent attention to detail and well-honed problem-solving skills
• Outstanding time management & organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Familiarity with architectural and design career pathways and professional development is a plus

What is on Offer?
Gray Puksand Can Offer

• Passionate, highly engaged, respectful, fun-loving team
• An empowering and supportive leadership team
• An opportunity to shape studio culture and influence meaningful change on a national scale

Furthermore, you will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration package and ongoing career development.

Find Out More
To find out more about our projects and practice please go to