Executive Manager, People

• Purpose-Driven Organisation
• Strategic Leadership
• Flexible Working

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,