Head of Human Resources
Full-time, Non-Ongoing, EL2 position
$133,382 – $145,386 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
Australia’s leading museum located waterside in beautiful Darling Harbour
The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking an enthusiastic and highly experienced leader to join the Human Resources team as Head of Human Resources in this full-time Executive Level 2 position with a possibility of ongoing or temporary transfer with possibility of permanency.
This is a non-ongoing, Sydney based role. Part time or flexible working arrangement may be considered for the right candidate.
About the Role
The Head of Human Resources is a strategic leadership role responsible for leading and managing a broad range of human resources activities and functions. The Head of Human Resources is a trusted advisor to the Executive Leadership Team providing strategic and professional support and advice. This position leads a broad range of human resources functions, ensuring effective workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development and employee relations. This role is responsible for ensuring appropriate frameworks, policies and procedures are in place to support APS compliant practices across the Museum. The role involves both strategic leadership (such as developing HR strategies aligned with organisational goals and providing expert advice on complex HR cases) and operational responsibilities (such as managing staff, overseeing recruitment, and implementing retention strategies).
Key Accountabilities
In accordance with Executive level 2 work level standards, key accountabilities of the role are:
• Provide leadership and support, with a focus on continuous improvement and development of the function, to the HR Team and broader staff base at the Museum.
• Manage, deliver and provide expert, compliant and contemporary HR advice on a range of HR functions
including:
o Cultural Change
o Performance Management
o Learning and Development
o Staff Wellbeing
o Recruitment and Retention Strategies
o Employee Relations
o Workforce Analytics
• Support, develop and lead the implementation of best practice HR policies, systems and processes.
• Provide evidence based and legislatively compliant advice to support decision making for members of the
Museum’s Executive and Leadership Teams, Council and Audit and Risk Committee.
• Ensure a continuous improvement focus for the HR function in order to develop and advance best practice
approaches in a changing environment.
Key Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate their capacity against the following:
1. Results-driven, agile, hands-on change agent with the maturity, commitment and confidence to assume a leadership role and drive cultural change in an evolving complex environment.
2. Demonstrated expertise and extensive experience in strategic HR operations covering all aspects of human resource management i.e. planning and policy, talent management, selection, compensation, benefits, training and staff development, employee relations, and performance management.
3. Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and interpersonal – with the ability to drive change and influence senior leadership.
4. Proven ability to work effectively and with integrity within a politically sensitive environment and to foster trust and cooperation and build strong and collegiate relationships with staff at all levels.
5. Current knowledge and understanding of regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable laws, as they apply to APS agencies and an ability to identify and manage organisational risks in the HR space.
Qualifications and/or relevant experience required
Mandatory:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, corporate governance and risk, human resources or equivalent experience
Desirable:
• Post Graduate Human Resources qualification and/or AHRI membership highly regarded.
What We Can Offer You
Working at the Sea.Museum offers a stunning office location plus access to a range of benefits including:
• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation.
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Great training and development opportunities.
• Rewards and recognition initiatives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP – a free counselling service for you and your family).
• Wellbeing initiatives including free flu shots and reimbursement for optical.
• Salary packaging options.
• Staff Regatta – Sailing on the Harbour.
When applying via our online e-recruitment system, please provide a written application addressing each Selection Criteria. Your current resume is also to be included in your application.
In addition to an application and your resume, the assessment process for this position may also include an interview and referee reports.
Applications Close: 11:30pm AEST, Wednesday 3 September 2025. No Applications will be accepted by mail or email.
Please note interviews are expected to be conducted week commencing 8 September 2025.
