Head of People

Head of People & Culture

Wagga Wagga, NSW | Executive Leadership | Full-time, Permanent

Lead people. Build culture. Shape the future of Catholic education.

The Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga (CEDWW) is seeking a highly capable and values-driven Head of People & Culture to join its Executive Leadership Team.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role leads a dedicated People & Culture function and sets the strategic direction for HR, organisational development, safety, learning and development, and employee relations across 29 schools and the system office.

About Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga (CEDWW) serves twenty-four primary schools and five secondary colleges, including two boarding facilities. Our staff support principals and school teams in their work to maximise student learning, growth and development.

We are committed to nurturing a faith-filled and inclusive learning environment where our people feel supported, inspired and connected to purpose.

Why this role matters

At CEDWW, we're focused on creating workplaces where people feel supported, valued and inspired to contribute to the mission of Catholic education.

This role provides a rare opportunity to influence culture at scale, ensuring our leaders and staff have the capability, care and connection needed to deliver exceptional outcomes for students and communities.

What you'll do

• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leaders to develop and deliver the People & Culture strategy and workforce plan.
• Lead and mentor a professional team across the full P&C portfolio of HR, WHS, Learning & Development, and Organisational Development.
• Promote and uphold all applicable policies and procedures for all staff, and ensure all policies reflect contemporary workplace expectations.
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with union representatives, school principals and internal stakeholders to proactively manage employee relations and deliver fair, balanced outcomes.
• Direct and advise on workplace investigations and workplace misconduct matters, delivering a fair and balanced process and outcomes.
• Manage bargaining on employee entitlements and advise on compliance with applicable enterprise agreements.
• Provide accurate, timely and practical advice to ensure compliance, minimise legal risk and achieve the best possible results for all parties.
• Drive contemporary practices in talent attraction and retention, recruitment, onboarding, performance and leadership development.
• Champion digital transformation and the adoption of HR technologies to streamline processes and improve workforce insights.
• Design and enhance the employee experience through initiatives that strengthen engagement, inclusion and culture.
• Lead a culture of performance and accountability, ensuring clarity, growth and recognition at every level.
• Champion a holistic approach to wellbeing, fostering a safe, supportive and thriving workplace.
• Embed purpose and values at the heart of people strategy, connecting every initiative to the mission of Catholic education.

About you

You're a strategic and people-focused leader who combines insight with empathy and a genuine desire to see others succeed. You bring curiosity, fairness and courage to your work, guiding teams through change with confidence and care.

You'll bring:

• At least 10 years' senior HR leadership experience across complex, multi-site organisations.
• Strong expertise in employee and industrial relations.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with a commitment to empowering and developing your People & Culture team.
• Proven ability to lead with integrity, balance organisational needs with fairness, and nurture trusted relationships at all levels.
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or a related discipline.
• An alignment with the mission and values of Catholic education.

The offer

• Executive, permanent role based at McAlroy House, Wagga Wagga.
• Generous salary package, including a fully maintained vehicle (and all associated costs).
• Discounted Bupa Health insurance
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program through Thrive Psychology
• Opportunity to shape culture and leadership across 29 schools.
• Work within a purpose-led organisation committed to people, learning and community.