HR Manager

Deutsche Schule Melbourne (DSM) is seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our independent bilingual Primary School. Become part of our passionate team and help shape the growth of our school.

About the school:

Established 16 years ago, DSM offers bilingual Primary School education from Foundation Year to Grade 6 with classes taught both in English and German. The school currently has 170 students and a team of 35 employees. Working at our school means working at a bilingual school with a truly international atmosphere. Our aim for the future is to continue the strong growth and ultimately extend our educational offer to a Secondary School program based on the International Baccalaureate in German and English (GIB).

About this position:

• Commencement date: as soon as possible

• Permanent / part-time position (0.6EFT – 0.8EFT)

About the opportunity:

As a trusted advisor you will provide expert, strategic and people-centred advice on employment matters, to ensure compliance with Australian employment law and drive the continuous improvement of our workplace. You are responsible for working proactively with the School Leadership Team to drive initiatives designed to foster employee engagement and retain talent. You are an excellent communicator, enjoy driving positive change, and foster a culture of collaboration that aligns with the school's values and strategic objectives. Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

• End-to-end HR life cycle management (resource planning, recruitment and selection, onboarding, employee engagement, professional development, performance enablement, compensation and benefits, policies management, employee relations, offboarding, HR projects and initiatives).

• Payroll and contract management.

• HR Budget planning.

• Provide expert and up-to-date advice on a range of employee relations matters, including interpretation of awards, policies and regulations.

• Delivery of strategies which drive the engagement and retention of skilled employees, teachers, and volunteers.

• Monitor, review and interpret reports, workforce data and trends and provide insight to the leadership team and implement proactive actions.

Your profile:

You can engage with staff at all levels and build strong, trusted relationships within and outside the organisation. You are passionate about the wellbeing and development of staff; you are pro-active and can work independently.

You are a team player and uphold our school values of respect, kindness, honesty, integrity, and trust. You enjoy being part of a dynamic work environment and are motivated by the opportunity to play an active role in the development and growth of Deutsche Schule Melbourne.

Selection criteria: essential

• Tertiary qualifications in HR or a relevant field.

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role.

• Excellent understanding of employment law and interpretation of awards including implications on payroll and payroll tax.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver considered advice, interpreting employment legislation and translating this for the school environment.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

• Exceptional stakeholder management abilities.

• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a solutions-focused mindset.

• Alignment with our values: respect, kindness, honesty, integrity, and trust.

• Australian working rights.

Selection criteria: highly desirable

• Fluency in German.

• Experience living and working in diverse cultural settings.

• Professional background in the education sector or a comparable industry.

Our offer:

• A unique opportunity to work in a genuinely international environment in Melbourne.

• Excellent professional development opportunities.

• A key role in shaping the future of the school.

• Attractive benefits, including free parking, complimentary coffee and tea, a cash expense reimbursement, and more.

How to apply:

Please send your complete application including a cover letter and detailed CV to In your cover letter, please address your experience relating to the essential selection criteria.

Deutsche Schule Melbourne is committed to promoting a culture of child safety and wellbeing. As such, the successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening, and adhere to the School's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct. We encourage all applicants to familiarise themselves with the School's Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct available on our website.

DSM is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families. DSM is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children, including those under the care and supervision of the School. The School recognises the importance of, and its responsibility for, ensuring a safe and supportive environment which respects the rights of children and fosters their enrichment and wellbeing. Our school community supports the empowerment of children and to the cultural safety of students and families stemming from a culturally diverse background including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. DSM is committed to preventing child abuse and all concerns will be treated in accordance with our policies and procedures.