Established over 25 years ago, this thriving highly regarded professional services organisation has a unique opportunity for an experienced HR professional to shape and lead the HR function. If you enjoy working in a professional services environment and are adept at balancing structure with flexibility, this could be the perfect role for you.
About the Role
As the organisation’s first dedicated HR Manager, you will play a pivotal role in professionalising HR processes, ensuring compliance, and driving a positive workplace culture. Reporting to the Managing Principal, you will partner closely with senior leadership to establish and refine key HR frameworks, supporting a small workforce across Sydney and Melbourne.
This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution, covering key areas such as HR policy development, workforce planning, performance management, and employee relations. You will have the opportunity to implement best practice HR processes while respecting the company’s unique culture and leadership style.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Process Development & Implementation – Establish and embed HR policies, frameworks, and best practices.
- Employee Lifecycle Management – Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and career progression.
- Workforce Planning & Resource Management – Support resource planning for project-based work while ensuring compliance with Fair Work guidelines.
- Employee Relations & Compliance – Manage grievances, underperformance, and termination processes, ensuring alignment with legal and industry standards.
- Culture & Employer Branding – Enhance employee engagement and drive a collaborative, high-performance work environment.
- The role is primarily on-site in Sydney CBD, with potential flexibility for a four-day work week.
About You
The ideal candidate will have experience as a standalone HR practitioner in a small organisation, ideally within professional services (e.g. legal, engineering, accounting, architecture or consultancy) as you demonstrate the agility to operate in a project- delivery environment. You will be strategic yet hands-on, able to establish HR frameworks and manage day-to-day HR operations. With the ability to influence senior leadership, you will understand the balance of embedding best-practice HR whilst honouring and enhancing existing company culture.
How to Apply
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact in a well-established organisation, bringing structure and strategic leadership to its HR function. If you have the experience and mindset to thrive in this role, I’d love to hear from you! Hit the 'Apply Now' button, or for a confidential discussion, please contact Lorainne Winterstein on 02 8256 2512 or Lwinterstein@thenextstep.com.au quoting reference number 3876404