People and Culture Advisor

Full-time, 12-month Leave backfill opportunity (mid-Jan early Feb 2026)

About us:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse services such as veterinary health, behaviour, advocacy and community education programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

About the Role:

The Lost Dogs' Home is seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to join our team as a People and Culture Advisor on a 12-month fixed-term basis.

In this exciting and diverse role, you will provide expert HR generalist advice and support across the organisation, while also contributing to key HR initiatives and projects aligned with the People and Culture strategy.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by working closely with our dedicated teams in Animal Management, Veterinary Services, and Corporate functions. Based at our North Melbourne site, with occasional travel to Cranbourne, you will bring your experience and expertise to help support our people and, in turn, the animals in our care.

The role will:

• Provide timely and accurate advice regarding HR policies, procedures, employment legislation, talent acquisition and change management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across all aspects of the P&C function.
• Provide support to employees at each stage of the employee lifecycle
• Advise and coach managers across a wide range of Employee and Industrial Relations issues, with support from the Director People and Culture.
• Influence managers and work with them to deal effectively and appropriately with the management of a range of performance, conduct and compliance issues.
• Support and drive staff engagement and events in in line with the P&C social calendar.

Our Ideal Candidate will have:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate, influence, and build positive relationships at all levels of the organisation – even in challenging situations.
• Strong stakeholder management capability, with proven experience advising and supporting operational managers on sensitive ER/IR and performance matters.
• Highly detail-oriented, process-driven, and diligent, with strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities to deliver results within tight timeframes.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Tertiary qualification (preferred) in Human Resources Management or equivalent, with a minimum of 2 years' experience in a Human Resources role.
• Demonstrated experience across the full spectrum of HR disciplines, including talent acquisition and development, employee retention, employee relations, organisational effectiveness, compensation practices, and diversity.
• Sound knowledge of Australian employment law, including the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, EBAs/Collective Agreements, and policy interpretation.
• Competence with HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with experience in PageUp or similar HRIS highly regarded.

About our culture:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we cultivate an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity. Our team enjoys a vibrant culture that fosters meaningful connections, both professionally and socially. Led by our dedicated social committee, we organise a wide range of engaging activities such as Paint and Sip Nights, Bowling, Trivia, and regular after-work gatherings. These events create opportunities for our team to relax, bond, and forge lasting friendships. We take pride in our diverse team where every individual is encouraged to be their authentic self, regardless of their role within the organisation.

What we can offer:

• A unique and rewarding career in animal welfare, where you can make a real difference in the lives of shelter animals.
• Fantastic career development opportunities, including financial assistance for approved studies.
• A supportive and passionate team, dedicated to developing your skills in animal welfare.
• Discounts at our Vet Hospital to support your own pet's health.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service for your wellbeing.
• Opportunities to join our Foster Care Program and help care for animals in need.
• A truly unique work environment—surrounded by animals every day

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to be successful in this role, apply now ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format. If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found. Don't miss out—apply today

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs' Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.