Head of Human Resources

Job No: AWLQ309
Location: Coombabah

NFP | Permanent Fulltime | $115k to $125k per year |+Superannuation | 

Join us and make a difference! 

At AWLQ, Our Mission is to recognise the interconnection between animal and human wellbeing. We provide care and support for both, fostering a brighter future for our community. Our Vision is that every companion animal has a safe and caring environment where their needs are respected and met. 

We Offer

  • Remuneration package of $115k to $125kpa + Superannuation
  • Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance, including access to a hybrid working policy
  • Convenient location at Coombabah (Gold Coast) with free onsite parking
  • Veterinary Service discounts  

The Role

The Head of Human Resources plays a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of shaping and sustaining a high-performing, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Reporting directly to a visionary and fast-paced CEO, overseeing the HR, Volunteering, and Training DepartmentsThis position leads strategic initiatives across employee relations, talent acquisition, workforce development, and retention, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values and business objectives. As a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Leadership team, the role provides expert guidance on people management, organisational development, and cultural transformation. 

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership  

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy aligned with the AWLQ Strategic Plan and business goals
  • Anticipate workforce priorities and design short- and long-term plans to drive innovation and performance
  • Lead organisational change initiatives and support continuous improvement 

Talent Acquisition  

  • Oversee recruitment processes to attract and retain top talent
  • Ensure a diverse, skilled, and values-aligned workforce
  • Design and implement effective onboarding programs to support employee integration and engagement 

Organisational Learning and Development 

  • Shape leadership capability through designing and delivering training programs that support career growth and leadership development
  • Assess workforce capability needs and implement strategies to address skill gaps
  • Develop succession planning, career pathways to strengthen the talent pipeline 

Culture & Engagement  

  • Advocate a positive, high-performance culture that reflects the organisation’s vision and values
  • Lead initiatives that enhance employee morale, satisfaction, and productivity
  • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion  

Employee Relations & Performance  

  • Expertise in employee relations, and you understand the broader context of organisational and compliance risk
  • Manage employee relations and workplace investigations with fairness and consistency
  • Implement performance management systems that support accountability and excellence
  • Mediate and resolve complex employee issues to achieve positive outcomes 

Compliance & Risk Management  

  • Ensure HR and WHS policies comply with legal requirements and reflect best practice
  • Assist in conducting risk assessments and managing incident reporting, investigations, and return-to-work programs
  • Oversee workers' compensation claims and injury prevention strategies 

HR Systems & Analytics  

  • Design and manage HR reporting tools, dashboards, and predictive analytics
  • Provide actionable insights to inform decision-making and workforce planning

Selection Criteria

Essential 

  • Tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
  • In-depth knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 and modern awards/industrial instruments
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing workforce and organisational development strategies
  • Strong understanding of employment legislation, WHS, recruitment, remuneration, and HR systems
  • Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage projects, and engage stakeholders
  • Excellent communication, advisory, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
  • Experience resolving complex performance and employee relations issues
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams 

Desirable 

  • Experience with integrated HR Information Systems
  • Experience working in a not-for-profit or community-based organisation
  • Experience in the animal or welfare industry

How to apply 

If you are excited by this role and meet the criteria, please apply! Shortlisting will commence on applications, and the position will close when the ideal candidate has accepted.    

 

 
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About Us

AWLQ is one of Queensland’s most dynamic and best-loved charities. Our organisation is the leader in the zero euthanasia movement nationally and is considered a national leader in animal welfare. AWLQ locally provides a safe haven for close to 10,000 stray and homeless animals each year, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals.

In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work including our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program and the National Desexing Network.