Lead People. Shape Culture. Drive Change.

People and Culture Specialist

Wangaratta, VIC | Permanent Full Time | $116,661 per annum + super

We are looking for our next People & Culture superstar to join our leadership team and help drive meaningful organisational change.

As a senior leader within our People & Culture team, this role provides expert, practical and people-focused HR advice across the organisation. You will lead our People & Culture and Payroll teams, support managers and employees on a broad range of workforce matters, and play a key role in delivering strategic people initiatives.

This is a diverse and influential role, with responsibility across employee and industrial relations, workforce planning, policy development, payroll oversight, project delivery and continuous improvement. You will also act as the second-in-charge to the Manager People & Governance, providing a strong pathway for professional growth and career progression.

There is never a dull moment in this role. You will be joining a close, supportive and improvement-focused team that values collaboration, trust and practical problem-solving. If you are an experienced HR leader who enjoys balancing strategic work with hands-on advice and team leadership, we would love to hear from you.

Key Selection Criteria:

Direct experience managing and developing a People & Culture and Payroll team, providing coaching and leadership to proactively support the team and HR needs of an organisation.

Experience in developing and delivering strategic People & Culture initiatives (e.g. workforce planning), that provide lasting benefit to an organisation and its employees.

Experience in providing respected expert technical advice (both practical and theoretical) and business partnering on complex Human Resources and Industrial Relations matters in accordance with Australian legislation.

Experience in payroll and entitlements, or alternatively a desire to learn and demonstrated ability to take on and provide leadership in a new technical functional area.

Ability to identify and lead business transformation initiatives in a complex organisation with the support of an executive team. Successful management and prioritisation to deliver multiple projects through several team leaders, to improve the efficiency, effectiveness or service provided by a team.

A proven history of being a trusted advisor in organisation(s), and of being a champion for all staff ensuring that their rights and needs are appropriately considered in organisational decision making.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

A warm, welcoming culture focused on inclusion, growth, and innovation

Paid parental leave for permanent full time and part time employees

Inclusive and Supportive Team: Work alongside passionate professionals who prioritise a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for children

Ongoing Training & Development: Continuous opportunities to expand your skills and grow within the organisation

Work-Life Balance: Flexible working options to help you balance personal and professional life

Employee Benefits: Enjoy corporate perks, including flu vaccinations, discounted gym memberships, and access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

To apply:

Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter that addresses the Key Selection Criteria via email to Kate Ellett at ••••@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. Applications will only be reviewed if submitted via email.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the Position Description, please contact Kate via the email address above.

Rural City of Wangaratta is a child safe and equal opportunity employer. Employment applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged. In addition, applications for positions that work with children must provide referees who can comment on their experience working with children. These roles also require a valid Working with Children Check and all roles require a National Criminal History Check.