Head of People & Culture
The Next Step ·www.thenextstep.com.au
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Head of People & Culture (Fixed Term Contract - 3-4 Months)
Surry Hills, Sydney | Hybrid (50% WFH over a 10-day cycle)
We are partnering with a leading international not-for-profit organisation seeking an experienced People & Culture leader to step into a hands-on, high-impact role during a period of organisational change.
This is a unique opportunity for a strong operator and generalist who thrives in dynamic environments, is confident working closely with senior executives, and can quickly build trust and momentum across the organisation. A background in the not-for-profit sector is highly regarded but not essential.
This is an initial 3-4 month fixed term contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent role for the right person.
About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy CEO, Operations, you will lead the People & Culture function through a period of ongoing transformation. This is a highly operational and strategic role in equal measure, requiring someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also influencing at Executive level.
You will partner closely with senior leaders to uplift organisational capability, support cultural alignment, and ensure robust HR systems and practices are in place to enable performance and impact.
Key Responsibilities
About You
You are a seasoned People & Culture professional who is equally comfortable operating at strategic level and getting into the detail. You bring:
What's on Offer
About Applying
At TNS, we embrace individuality and differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, faith and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a recruitment experience that’s fair, inclusive and accessible. We encourage all suitable applicants to apply for this role.
For any accessibility needs to be considered during the recruitment process, please let us know at support@thenextstep.com.au
For a confidential discussion, please contact John Spring at jspring@thenextstep.com.au or click “Apply” to apply for this role.
Surry Hills, Sydney | Hybrid (50% WFH over a 10-day cycle)
- Operational Generalist HR Leadership role with scope to grow
- Not-for-profit operating in 5+ countries
- Immediate start required. Up to $200k package
We are partnering with a leading international not-for-profit organisation seeking an experienced People & Culture leader to step into a hands-on, high-impact role during a period of organisational change.
This is a unique opportunity for a strong operator and generalist who thrives in dynamic environments, is confident working closely with senior executives, and can quickly build trust and momentum across the organisation. A background in the not-for-profit sector is highly regarded but not essential.
This is an initial 3-4 month fixed term contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent role for the right person.
About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy CEO, Operations, you will lead the People & Culture function through a period of ongoing transformation. This is a highly operational and strategic role in equal measure, requiring someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also influencing at Executive level.
You will partner closely with senior leaders to uplift organisational capability, support cultural alignment, and ensure robust HR systems and practices are in place to enable performance and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Executive team to support the organisation through ongoing change and transformation initiatives
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across all People & Culture activities, including workforce culture, values, and capability development
- Lead and support change management initiatives across teams and, where relevant, international or distributed operations
- Drive end-to-end recruitment strategy focused on attracting, retaining, and developing strong talent
- Strengthen learning and development frameworks and ensure fit-for-purpose capability programs
- Support Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and foster a positive, values-led culture
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and organisational governance requirements
- Oversee remuneration frameworks and contribute to workforce planning and organisational effectiveness
- Analyse HR metrics and insights to support evidence-based decision making
- Promote strong workplace health, safety, and safeguarding practices across the organisation
About You
You are a seasoned People & Culture professional who is equally comfortable operating at strategic level and getting into the detail. You bring:
- Strong experience in HR/People & Culture leadership roles
- Proven capability in change management within complex organisations
- Confidence working directly with Executives and senior stakeholders
- A practical, hands-on "doer" mindset with a strong generalist skillset
- Experience in not-for-profit, international development, or purpose-led organisations (desirable)
- Strong capability across workforce planning, culture, compliance, and organisational effectiveness
- The ability to influence, prioritise, and deliver in a fast-moving environment
What's on Offer
- Immediate start (before end of June)
- Hybrid working model (Surry Hills office + 50% WFH over a 10-day cycle)
- Opportunity to shape and stabilise a People & Culture function during a key period of change
- Potential pathway to a permanent appointment
About Applying
At TNS, we embrace individuality and differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, faith and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a recruitment experience that’s fair, inclusive and accessible. We encourage all suitable applicants to apply for this role.
For any accessibility needs to be considered during the recruitment process, please let us know at support@thenextstep.com.au
For a confidential discussion, please contact John Spring at jspring@thenextstep.com.au or click “Apply” to apply for this role.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Head of People & Culture role?
The Next Step is hiring for the Head of People & Culture position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Head of People & Culture job located?
The Head of People & Culture role with The Next Step is based in Sydney, NSW, AU. The role is remote-friendly.
Is the Head of People & Culture role remote?
Yes — the Head of People & Culture position at The Next Step is remote. Candidates based in AU are preferred.
What does the Head of People & Culture role pay?
The Next Step lists the Head of People & Culture role at AUD 150,000–200,000 per year.
Is the Head of People & Culture role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at The Next Step.
What experience level is the Head of People & Culture role?
The Head of People & Culture position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Head of People & Culture role at The Next Step?
Apply directly on The Next Step's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.