Executive Manager, People

1 week ago

Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia Hays Full time $104,000 - $130,878 per year
The City of Sydney, recognised as one of Australia's leading councils, is seeking an experienced Executive Manager, People & Culture. This role will be responsible for leading transformation initiatives, enhancing HR processes, and fostering a people first culture focused on employee growth and success.
About the Role
As Executive Manager, People & Culture, you will lead a high-performing people and culture team in a pivotal role that defines how the City of Sydney attracts, develops, and retains talent. You'll be responsible for redeveloping and implementing a forward-thinking people strategy, ensuring the Council remains a great place to work and delivers on its commitment to values, sustainability, and community impact Your remit covers people and culture partnerships, recruitment, payroll, employee and organisational development, diversity and inclusion, and more. You'll oversee HR systems and technology changes ensuring the Council's people and culture function is efficient, data-driven, and future-ready.
Key Responsibilities
  • Redevelop and execute the people strategy, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and workforce planning to meet future needs.
  • Support business areas in strategic workforce planning, ensuring the Council is equipped for ongoing change and growth.
  • Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including the reconciliation action plan, fostering a workplace where everyone belongs.
  • Manage relationships with unions and employee representatives, ensuring positive industrial relations and collaborative outcomes.
  • Lead, develop, and inspire the People & Culture team, aligning initiatives with the City's broader strategic vision.
  • Oversee the implementation and optimisation of HR systems and technology, leveraging solutions to enhance decision-making and operational excellence.
About You
  • Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role, ideally within a large and complex organisation.
  • Strong background in industrial relations, workforce planning, and leading transformation projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Exceptional leadership and team development skills, with a track record of driving cultural change.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to champion these values across the organisation.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
Why Join City of Sydney Council?
  • Be part of a purposeful organisation with a strong commitment to values, sustainability, and community impact.
  • Work alongside an accomplished leadership team, including CEO Monica Barone and the line manager for this role, Paulette Sutherland, Executive Director People, Performance and Technology to advance the vision for City of Sydney's future.
  • Enjoy a supportive and inclusive culture that puts people first, with a genuine focus on employee wellbeing.
  • Benefit from competitive salary and benefits, including flexible working arrangements and additional leave options, and a convenient central Sydney City location.
Our Privilege
Hays is honoured to partner with the City of Sydney in recruiting for this critical leadership role. We are committed to finding a strategic HR leader who will contribute to the Councils mission and values, equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination policy, and shaping a workplace where people and culture are at the heart of success.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV to
William Prest, Associate Director HR at Hays, at

LHS 297508 # William Prest

  • Executive Manager, People and Change

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia Energy Consumers Australia Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    About Energy Consumers AustraliaAbout the role As Executive Manager, People & Change, you'll lead key projects that improve how ECA works and supports its people. Reporting to the General Manager Operations, this role sits at the heart of organisational change—helping to strengthen systems, embed culture, and deliver people-focused initiatives across the...

  • Marketing Executive, Group Role

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia Hastings People Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Client Profile Our client operates multiple venues across Sydney with a focus on delivering premium, approachable offerings to their clientele. With a range of existing venues catering to the hospitality and tourism market, they are excited to launch new operations as well as refine current ones. This role would see you working across a number of categories...

  • Executive Manager, People

    1 week ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Hays Full time $104,000 - $130,878 per year

    Purpose-Driven OrganisationStrategic LeadershipFlexible WorkingThe City of Sydney, recognised as one of Australia's leading councils, is seeking an experienced Executive Manager, People & Culture. This role will be responsible for leading transformation initiatives, enhancing HR processes, and fostering a people first culture focused on employee growth and...

  • Global Head of People

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Hays | Executive Full time US$150,000 - US$200,000 per year

    Your new companyOneSchoolGlobal (OSG) is one of the world's largest and most innovative K-12 school groups, operating in over 20 countries with a shared vision to deliver global education excellence. With a unique self-directed learning model, a global ethos, and a strong values-driven culture, we are seeking a transformational HR executive to lead our...

  • People & Culture Manager

    1 week ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Beaumont People Full time

    Brand new role in an established and progressive organisation- Opportunity to establish and develop the HR function, make it your own- Full time permanent, onsite role at Olympic Park- Brand new role in an established and progressive organisation- Opportunity to establish and develop the HR function, make it your own- Full time permanent, onsite role at...

  • People & Culture Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia Perigon Group Full time $140,000 - $155,000 per year

    Seeking a talented, motivated P&C Manager to mature the HR function for the next phase of growth.Fast-growing, market leading fintech business Based in the CBD. Office-based circa. $140-155k super The Role: You'll be working directly with senior leadership to build the people foundation that will drive the next phase of growth. You'll have the unique...

  • Executive Manager People

    7 days ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Zurich Insurance Full time

    **A new transformational adventure awaits you**How does 5 weeks leave per year, an impactful career that you'll truly love, and working for a trustworthy organisation that empowers wellbeing and is accelerating digital transformation sound like to you?As one of Forbes 2024 'World's Best Employers' and Fortune's 'World's Most Admired Companies' for 2025,...

  • People Services Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia Zurich Financial Services Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Company description: Zurich is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories. Zurich's customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large...

  • Executive Assistant

    7 days ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Lotus People Full time

    About the CompanyLotus People are thrilled to be working with a highly respected player in the financial services industry to recruit an Executive Assistant to support their dynamic and entrepreneurial CEO.With a strong focus on growth, collaboration, and community engagement, the company has built a reputation for excellence and innovation.Their culture is...

  • Executive Assistant

    2 weeks ago

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Lotus People Full time

    About the CompanyLotus People are thrilled to be working with a highly respected player in the financial services industry to recruit an Executive Assistant to support their dynamic and entrepreneurial CEO. With a strong focus on growth, collaboration, and community engagement, the company has built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Their culture...