Senior Manager, People Operations
Orchard Talent ·www.orchardtalent.com.au
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The organisation
Ability Options provides employment and disability services to people who need assistance to achieve their aspirations and inclusion the community. They operate services to support people with disabilities and those whose lives are changed as a result of accidents, unemployment and disadvantage. They are committed to a workplace culture that recognises diversity, equity and human rights. They respect and value the contribution of people from all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people and people with disability.
The opportunity
Reporting to the General Manager, People, Quality & Assurance, the Senior Manager of People Services is a critical leadership role responsible for leading the organisation's People Services function and driving the delivery of contemporary, high-quality HR services across the business.
Leading a team of People Services professionals, the role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, including employee relations, workforce planning, talent acquisition, remuneration, policy development, compliance, workforce reporting and HR systems. The position will partner closely with executives, operational leaders, providing trusted advice on workforce strategy, organisational effectiveness, employee relations and people risk.
The Senior Manager will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Ability Options' workforce plan and broader organisational strategy. This includes leading HR projects and systems improvements, strengthening workforce capability, enhancing the employee value proposition and ensuring the organisation remains well-positioned to attract, retain and develop talent in an increasingly competitive market.
Working across a highly regulated and purpose-driven environment, the role will balance strategic leadership with operational excellence, ensuring people practices, governance frameworks and compliance obligations support both organisational sustainability and positive employee experiences.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced people leader to influence organisational performance, shape workforce strategy and contribute to the continued success of one of New South Wales most respected community services organisations.
About you
You are a seasoned HR leader who brings broad generalist expertise across workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational development, talent acquisition and people operations. You have successfully led teams within the HR function in complex, multi-site organisations and understand the challenges associated with supporting large, geographically dispersed workforces.
You are equally comfortable operating strategically and rolling up your sleeves operationally, with a track record of delivering practical people solutions that balance organisational objectives with employee experience. Your ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex workplace matters will be critical to your success.
Experience within disability, community services, health, aged care or other highly regulated sectors will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of contemporary industrial relations, workforce planning and HR systems. You bring strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership style that enables teams to perform at their best.
Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and driven by the opportunity to create workplaces where people can thrive, contribute and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Essential Criteria:
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Lily Moger of The Orchard Talent Group on lily@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close Friday 10th July 2026 however will be assessed as they are submitted.
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.
Ability Options provides employment and disability services to people who need assistance to achieve their aspirations and inclusion the community. They operate services to support people with disabilities and those whose lives are changed as a result of accidents, unemployment and disadvantage. They are committed to a workplace culture that recognises diversity, equity and human rights. They respect and value the contribution of people from all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people and people with disability.
The opportunity
Reporting to the General Manager, People, Quality & Assurance, the Senior Manager of People Services is a critical leadership role responsible for leading the organisation's People Services function and driving the delivery of contemporary, high-quality HR services across the business.
Leading a team of People Services professionals, the role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, including employee relations, workforce planning, talent acquisition, remuneration, policy development, compliance, workforce reporting and HR systems. The position will partner closely with executives, operational leaders, providing trusted advice on workforce strategy, organisational effectiveness, employee relations and people risk.
The Senior Manager will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Ability Options' workforce plan and broader organisational strategy. This includes leading HR projects and systems improvements, strengthening workforce capability, enhancing the employee value proposition and ensuring the organisation remains well-positioned to attract, retain and develop talent in an increasingly competitive market.
Working across a highly regulated and purpose-driven environment, the role will balance strategic leadership with operational excellence, ensuring people practices, governance frameworks and compliance obligations support both organisational sustainability and positive employee experiences.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced people leader to influence organisational performance, shape workforce strategy and contribute to the continued success of one of New South Wales most respected community services organisations.
About you
You are a seasoned HR leader who brings broad generalist expertise across workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational development, talent acquisition and people operations. You have successfully led teams within the HR function in complex, multi-site organisations and understand the challenges associated with supporting large, geographically dispersed workforces.
You are equally comfortable operating strategically and rolling up your sleeves operationally, with a track record of delivering practical people solutions that balance organisational objectives with employee experience. Your ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex workplace matters will be critical to your success.
Experience within disability, community services, health, aged care or other highly regulated sectors will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of contemporary industrial relations, workforce planning and HR systems. You bring strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership style that enables teams to perform at their best.
Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and driven by the opportunity to create workplaces where people can thrive, contribute and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Essential Criteria:
- Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline
- Significant experience Human Resources and demonstrated knowledge of contemporary HR issues
- Ability to understand and interpret awards and legislation
- Previous experience within similar community service environment is desirable
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Lily Moger of The Orchard Talent Group on lily@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close Friday 10th July 2026 however will be assessed as they are submitted.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Senior Manager, People Operations role?
Orchard Talent is hiring for the Senior Manager, People Operations position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Senior Manager, People Operations job located?
The Senior Manager, People Operations role with Orchard Talent is based in Sydney, NSW, AU.
What does the Senior Manager, People Operations role pay?
Orchard Talent lists the Senior Manager, People Operations role at up to AUD 168,000 per year.
Is the Senior Manager, People Operations role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Orchard Talent.
What experience level is the Senior Manager, People Operations role?
The Senior Manager, People Operations position is aimed at senior-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Senior Manager, People Operations role at Orchard Talent?
Apply directly on Orchard Talent'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.