Balwyn High School (BHS) is a large (>250 staff), high-performing Victorian government school with a reputation for excellence in learning, teaching, and innovation. As one of the state’s leading schools, BHS continues to invest in people and culture as the foundation of its success. Our strong commitment to professional learning is evidenced by our “Leadership Development Group” program, in which approximately one third of staff participate each year.

The Human Resources (HR) Manager is responsible for leading the school’s People and Culture strategy and overseeing all HR functions during the lifecycle of each employee. These include development or updating of position descriptions, recruitment, onboarding of staff, staff induction, some payroll data entry, leave approvals and processing, WorkCover claims and return to work processes, resignations/retirements – including staff exit meetings to ensure a “good leaving” for all exiting staff.

The HR Manager will also be responsible for staff compliance (VIT registration for teachers, current WWCC for Education Support staff, completion of mandatory reporting modules, etc), workforce planning, professional learning (together with the Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning), staff wellbeing, and retention initiatives. Employee Relations at BHS are subject to The Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA)(2022). The HR Manager will be/become the point of contact for questions regarding the VSGA.

The HR Manager is a member of the school’s Staffing Committee, consisting of the Principal, Assistant Principal (Staffing and School Operations), Business Manager (BM) and HR Manager

This newly established position will design and embed contemporary people practices that support a thriving, future-ready workforce. The HR Manager will work closely with the Principal, the BM and Leadership Team to ensure the school remains an employer of choice: staff and student-centred, high performing, fair, child-safe, and responsive to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and modern work design.

This role is a permanent role, starting mid Nov 2025, or 27/01/2026 – based on the availability of the successful candidate. NOTE: part time will be considered if preferred by the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic People and Culture Leadership

Develop and implement an integrated People and Culture Plan aligned with the school’s strategic priorities.

Advise leadership on workforce planning, role design, and change management.

Anticipate and manage the organisational impact of emerging technologies, particularly AI, on workload, structure, and staff capability.

2. Recruitment, Onboarding and Retention

Manage end-to-end recruitment and selection processes for Teaching and Education Support staff.

Coordinate induction, probation, and transition processes that foster staff engagement and retention.

Maintain accurate contracts, position descriptions, and staffing records.

Lead the weekly Staff Committee meetings, where current and future staffing needs are discussed, prioritised and approved for actioning.

3. Payroll, HR Operations and Compliance

Oversee HR administration and payroll data entry (e.g. staff leave, and casual payroll) in partnership with the Business Manager and Finance Team.

Ensure accurate and timely employee data management within HRIS and payroll systems.

Maintain full compliance with child safe standards, employment screening, and relevant legislation.

In partnership with the Business Manager, manage the school staffing budget within the confines of the Student Resource Package (SRP, the funding model for Victorian government schools).

4. Professional Learning, Performance and Wellbeing

Working with the Principal Team, design and deliver a comprehensive professional learning program that supports staff growth and leadership development.

Lead wellbeing initiatives that promote psychological safety, inclusion, and work-life balance.

Act as the Return-to-Work Coordinator, managing occupational and non-work-related injuries and rehabilitation.

Coordinate, track and report on the Annual Review process for Teaching and Education Support staff

Analyse available data to create relevant reporting dashboards and KPIs.

5. Employee Relations and Culture

Provide professional advice on employee relations, conduct, and policy matters, ensuring consistency with the VGSA and Department frameworks.

Support leaders to manage performance conversations with fairness and procedural integrity.

Build a positive, high-performance culture grounded in BHS values.

Applicants should register and apply via School Jobs Vic: https://www.vic.gov.au/school-jobs - job #1500316

Information about Balwyn High School, its ethos, programs, the Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Mission Statement can be obtained at our website: https://www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au/

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 2nd November.

Instructions

Applicants are free to structure applications in any manner they choose, but must ensure that the following are included:

a specific response to each of the selection criteria. It is suggested that applicants limit their response to not more than 3 pages.

the names and contact details of up to three referees who can provide information in relation to the key selection criteria.

Key Selection Criteria

Applicants must address the following criteria:

1. Qualifications and Experience
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or Business (HR major) and demonstrated experience leading HR in a complex organisation.

2. Strategic and Operational Capability
Proven ability to design and deliver people strategies encompassing recruitment, retention, wellbeing, and professional learning.

3. Payroll, Compliance and Governance
Experience managing HR systems and payroll data with accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with industrial and legislative frameworks.

4. Employee Relations and Return to Work
Demonstrated capability in managing employee relations, performance, and RTW programs with sound judgement and empathy.

5. Digital Fluency and Organisational Foresight
Awareness of how AI and technology are reshaping work and the ability to guide leaders in adapting structures and skills accordingly.

Additional Requirements:

Current Working with Children Check.

Availability to work flexible hours to support recruitment or staff wellbeing initiatives (Time in Lieu applies per the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA) 2022).

Australian work rights are essential for this position.

Why Join Us?

Collaborative Culture: Work within a dynamic and supportive team at Victoria's leading public school.

Convenience: Onsite parking and access to a canteen at a non-CBD location.

Community Impact: Contribute to the success of over 2,500 students and staff.

10 weeks of paid annual leave during Victorian school holiday breaks.