Head of People

Position & Purpose

The Head of People & Culture role presents an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for an accomplished professional to join the team at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic priorities related to people and culture. The position further encompasses all aspects of Human Resources, among other key responsibilities.

The Head of People & Culture will play a key role in creating a highly collegial, supportive and dynamic workplace environment where there are excellent opportunities for professional growth and where employees can make a real difference in the pursuit of their chosen field of specialisation.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School is an inspiring, dynamic Early Learning to Year 12 co-educational school, for both Day and Boarding students, located in the pristine Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. Inspiring a love of life and learning in our young people and nestled in the foothills of Australia's stunning alpine region, Snowy Mountains Grammar School is truly unique.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement strategic priorities and objectives in accordance with the SMGS Strategic Plan and remain aligned with the organisation's core Values, Vision and Mission.
• Effectively attract, recruit and retain the highest calibre of employees to fulfil the Mission of the organisation.
• Lead organisational change to strengthen processes, be adaptive and engaging within education and care employment environments.
• Work with leaders to undertake future modelling possibilities of workforce structures and methodologies to ensure organisational future sustainability.
• Cultivate a values-driven and inclusive workplace where staff are respected, supported and recognised as the integral professionals they are within our community.
• Collaboratively design and implement positive recognition initiatives to value our employees.
• Ensure alignment between relevant legislation, industrial instruments, policies and handbooks.

Organisational, Compliance and HR Operations

• Lead all stages of recruitment and retention:
• Oversee an organisation wide professional learning annual plan along with leadership programs
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement professional Growth Plans for each employee
• Develop and maintain the HRIS program
• Day-to-day aspects and management of HR related matters
• Work collaboratively to develop and undertake probation progress reports and assist in the annual performance appraisals of employees
• Assume responsibility for all staff related surveys, feedback and focus groups
• Provide quarterly and annual reports on employment movements and trends
• Ensure compliance with employment law, WHS, WWCC and sector-specific regulations and industrial instruments.
• Maintain a WWCC register and monitor professional employee registration and accreditation to ensure compliance.
• Conduct any required internal workplace related investigations, mediations and/or facilitated meetings
• Manage staff related grievances in accordance with the relevant policies and internal handbooks.
• Assist the employer with any IEU matters as required.
• Assist the senior staff in determining and approving annual teaching loads to teachers, leadership allowances, and responsibilities where applicable.
• Manage the Workcover program and act as the Workcover Return to Work Coordinator
• Develop and maintain workplace injury registers and reports
• Develop, manage and present professional development for staff on required workplace training
• Provide assistance with the EAP as required

Other

• The successful applicant will have industry relevant and recognised qualifications, or relevant experience in HR
• Demonstrated success in collaboratively and delivering strategic initiatives with measurable success
• Strong knowledge of employment law, workplace relations, and sector-specific compliance requirements (not-for-profit sector) will be well regarded.
• Familiarity within the Australian independent school sector will be well regarded.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills are required with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and interpedently.
• An ongoing commitment to the School's Mission, Values and Ethos will be essential.
• WWCC NSW is essential
• Commencement date of January 2026
• Full-time or part-time negotiable

Please apply via SEEK and provide the following:

• A Cover Letter addressed to The Principal, Dr Andrew Bell (no more than 1-2 pages), demonstrating how you meet the requirements
• A Curriculum Vitae including all relevant and supporting documentation
• The names and contact details of three (3) professional referees or willingness to provide these if further progressing
• Applications will be reviewed as received and the position may close if a suitable candidate is selected
• The Industrial Agreement relevant to this role is the Independent Schools NSW (Professional and Operational Staff) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025 (CMEA)

Further questions?

You are welcome to contact:

Mrs Robyn Smith

PA to the Principal