People and Culture Manager

Job Description

The Institute of Health & Management (IHM) is a recognized higher education provider delivering innovative bachelor's and postgraduate programs in nursing, social work, and health management across campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane. Regulated by TEQSA and committed to our mission of Education for employment, IHM prepares the next generation of healthcare and social work professionals through high-quality, career-focused education.

\n

Job Description

\n

About The Role

\n

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Manager—People & Culture to lead and manage IHM's HR operations across our national campuses. Reporting to the Operations Director, this is a strategic and hands‐on role for an HR professional who understands the unique workforce, compliance, and cultural dynamics of a higher education environment.

\n

The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of Australian employment law — including the Fair Work Act 2009, the Higher Education Industry Awards, and TEQSA workforce obligations — and a genuine passion for building engaged, high‐performing, and inclusive workplace cultures.

\n

Roles and Responsibilities

\n

\n
• Lead and manage the full employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding through to performance management, development, and separation — across all IHM campuses.
\n
• Serve as IHM's primary expert on Australian employment law, Modern Award interpretation, and employee relations—including managing complex HR matters.
\n
• Develop, implement, and review HR policies, procedures, and workforce strategies in alignment with TEQSA requirements and applicable legislation.
\n
• Partner with academic and professional leadership to deliver strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
\n
• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — building a workplace culture that reflects IHM's values and the diversity of the communities we serve.
\n
• Generate monthly HR reports covering workforce metrics, attrition, engagement, compliance, and training — providing data‐driven insights to senior leadership.
\n
• Lead, coach, and develop the People & Culture team to deliver expert, responsive HR services across the institution.
\n

\n

Desired Skills and Experience

\n

Qualifications

\n

\n
• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field — essential.
\n
• Professional certification in human resources management or a related field is preferred.
\n
• Post‐graduate qualifications in employment law, workplace relations, or higher education administration — highly regarded.
\n

\n

Experience

\n

\n
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive HR management experience, with demonstrated leadership of a People & Culture function.
\n
• Proven experience in a higher education, or complex multi‐campus environment — strongly preferred.
\n
• Deep, practical knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009, National Employment Standards, and the Higher Education Industry Awards.
\n
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters— including performance management, misconduct investigations, grievance resolution, and terminations — in a compliant and procedurally fair manner.
\n
• Experience supporting diverse workforces, including academic, professional, international, and sessional/casual staff.
\n
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills — able to advise and influence at all levels.
\n
• Strategic mindset with strong operational execution and sound judgement in managing sensitive HR matters.
\n
• High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.
\n
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate HR data into meaningful insights for senior leadership.
\n

\n

Why Join IHM?

\n

Joining IHM offers the opportunity to lead People & Culture for a growing national higher education provider at a pivotal stage of institutional development. You will work alongside dedicated academics and professionals who are united by a shared purpose. IHM invests in its people — offering a supportive environment where your professional growth and contribution are truly valued.

\n

\n
• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
\n
• Ongoing professional development and CPD support.
\n
• A collaborative, values‐driven team culture that genuinely invests in its people.
\n
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
\n
• Supportive, collaborative, and values‐driven work culture.
\n

\n

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

\n

All recruitment, selection, and promotion decisions are based on merit, capability, and alignment with the genuine requirements of the role.

\n

\n
• IHM is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, in accordance with the Equal Opportunity Act.
\n