The organisation
Woodlands Early Learning is a values-led early childhood provider with eight centres across Victoria, poised for significant growth in both short and medium term. The organisation envisions a future where every child, regardless of background, thrives through access to exceptional early education. Grounded in the values of Growth, Empathy, Connection, and Accountability, Woodlands is committed to fostering lifelong learners and future community leaders through play-based and evidence-informed practices.

The opportunity
Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and leading a small, focused team, the People and Culture Manager will play a pivotal role in aligning people strategy with organisational purpose.

You will:

• Lead and deliver people operations including employee lifecycle, recruitment, WorkCover, WHS, wellbeing, and compliance.
• Guide and support Area Managers and Centre Directors with people-related matters
• Partner with the COO and leadership team to shape and implement the organisational professional development plan.
• Drive workforce engagement and culture initiatives across all eight centres.
• Support the growth trajectory of the organisation by embedding systems, processes, and frameworks to enable scale.
• Champion and embody Woodlands’ cultural values, mission and commitment to quality early learning

About you
You are an experienced HR professional who is purpose-driven, operationally strong, and thrives in environments where initiative and ownership are valued.

You bring:

• Demonstrated HR experience, ideally in a purpose-driven or human-centred sector.
• Confidence across the employee lifecycle, with a focus on OHS, wellbeing, and recruitment.
• A proactive, self-starting mindset with the confidence to own projects and run with ideas.
• A natural connector who builds trust quickly and engages well at all levels—from centre staff to executive.
• Motivation to grow with an expanding organisation and a desire to step into future executive leadership roles.
• A growth mindset and a genuine commitment to learning, reflection, and development, both for yourself and others.

What’s on Offer

• A pivotal HR leadership role in a values-led organisation.
• The opportunity to shape systems, culture and people experience Close partnership with a committed and energised executive team.
• Genuine opportunity to influence organisational growth and culture.
• Career progression opportunities

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Ali Baker of The Orchard Talent Group on 02 9157 6238 or email [email protected]. To apply please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.