Head of People & Culture (Retail)

Lead the People function for a growing retail group, shaping strategy, culture, capability, and employee experience across multiple retail brands.

A leading global retail organisation is seeking a Head of People and Culture to join their senior leadership team, guiding the full People function across a broad mix of retail brands. This influential role gives you the platform to shape workforce strategies, uplift the employee experience, and strengthen organisational capability. You’ll drive initiatives that enhance performance, embed a values-led culture, and support business growth through thoughtful people practices. Operating across both strategic and operational levels, you’ll ensure HR frameworks are robust, compliant, and aligned with the long-term direction of the business.

What you'll do:

As Head of People and Culture (Retail), you’ll lead the Australian People function and partner closely with executives to shape the future of the workforce. Your role spans strategic planning, operational execution, and coaching leaders through growth, transformation, or structural change. You will guide the development of fit-for-purpose organisational structures, support effective workforce transitions, and embed people processes that uplift capability at every level.

You’ll oversee a broad HR remit, from talent acquisition and onboarding to performance growth, learning pathways, and remuneration design. By nurturing strong employee relations, you’ll help build a connected, engaged, and high-performing culture. Your commercial mindset will be key to managing budgeting activities, remuneration reviews, and people-related analytics. You will also champion policy development, continuous improvement initiatives, and the delivery of training frameworks that enable employees to thrive across the diverse brand portfolio.

• Shape, refine, and deliver HR strategies that reinforce business objectives across retail brands.
• Lead core People functions including talent acquisition, capability development, performance systems, policy governance, and compensation and benefits.
• Serve as a trusted partner on employee relations matters, guiding leaders through workplace issues and fostering a fair, respectful culture.
• Support workforce planning through organisational design advice, change management, and coaching leaders through restructures and growth phases.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to embed HR priorities into wider business plans and promote alignment across all business units.
• Manage budgeting, salary reviews, remuneration modelling, and people data insights in collaboration with finance teams.
• Implement consistent performance frameworks that encourage career growth and reinforce organisational values.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures reflect current legislation and are communicated clearly through accessible channels.
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment for senior positions and ensure structured, engaging onboarding experiences for all new starters.
• Design and drive learning and development initiatives, support succession planning, and coordinate external providers for specialised training.

What you bring:

Your background as an HR leader in the retail sector equips you with the capability to navigate a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. You bring a blend of strategic insight and hands-on delivery, supported by strong commercial acumen and deep experience across all facets of HR. You’re skilled at building trust with leaders, developing teams, and leveraging data to influence decision-making. Your understanding of employment legislation and industry dynamics ensures the organisation operates with integrity, compliance, and fairness. Above all, your collaborative, empathetic, and solutions-focused style sets the tone for a positive and high-performing workplace.

• Significant leadership experience in HR within retail environments is essential.
• Strong understanding of retail operations and service-focused workforce requirements is highly valued
• Relevant qualifications in HR or a related field, combined with demonstrated operational HR expertise.
• Comprehensive generalist HR capability, covering both strategic leadership and practical delivery.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling you to communicate clearly, build credibility, and influence at executive level.
• In-depth knowledge of Australian employment law and industrial relations frameworks.
• Experience leading and developing HR teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a matrix structure.
• Proven ability to champion continuous improvement and approach complex issues with sound judgement and integrity.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation is recognised for cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment across its portfolio of growing retail brands. Employees benefit from exposure to innovative practices, cross-brand collaboration, and a strong culture. With open communication, strong values, and a deep appreciation for both individual and team achievements, this is an environment where your ideas, leadership, and passion for people will have a lasting and positive impact.

What's next:

If you’re ready to elevate your HR career and contribute to an organisation that values both its people and its purpose, apply now!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply please click apply or call Wouter De Vries on 61 3 8628 2262 for a confidential discussion.