Head of People & Culture

About Southern Cross Care Queensland

Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) is a Catholic not-for-profit organisation with over 40 years of history, committed to providing compassionate care to vulnerable populations, including the ageing community. Employing more than 1800 staff members, they support over 3000 individuals through 17 residential aged care homes, multiple retirement villages, social housing, NDIS, and home care services across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. They are dedicated to fostering inclusive communities where lives are enriched through compassionate service.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Head of People & Culture to lead our established People & Culture team, reporting directly to the Chief of People & Mission and joining the broader leadership group. This pivotal position involves oversight of diverse workforce functions including HR business partnering, talent acquisition, workforce planning, learning and development, employee and industrial relations, safety and wellbeing, payroll, rostering, analytics, policy governance, leadership and performance management, as well as culture and engagement initiatives. This is a key leadership role within a purpose-driven organisation emphasizing strong, mutually respectful relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the People & Culture team to enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Partner with leadership and stakeholders on workforce planning and recruitment strategies, including international recruitment initiatives.
• Oversee learning, development, employee engagement and workplace culture programs aligned with the “Known & Loved” philosophy and the "You Matter" employee value proposition.
• Manage enterprise agreement implementation, industrial relations, and union engagement to ensure compliance and positive relations.
• Advance workforce analytics, reporting, and people governance policies to support decision making and strategic workforce management.
• Drive leadership development, performance, talent management, and succession planning.
• Support workforce adaptability through organisational change and aged care reform integration.

Candidate Profile and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience within People & Culture, particularly in managing industrial relations, enterprise bargaining, and workplace relations risks within large, regulated environments. A pragmatic, collaborative leader with strategic insight and practical implementation capabilities is sought to foster strong relationships across geographically diverse teams.

Preferred experience includes:

• Background in aged care, healthcare, community services, or related human services sectors.
• Demonstrated leadership in enterprise bargaining and industrial relations.
• Managing complex People & Culture functions.
• Driving organisational development and culture change.
• Workforce strategy, planning, and change management expertise.
• Executive stakeholder engagement and managing dispersed workforce dynamics.
• Building and leading high-performing teams.

Why Join SCCQ?

• Engage in a leadership role within a supportive, purpose-led not-for-profit organisation.
• Benefit from a competitive remuneration package including NFP salary sacrifice benefits.
• Access ongoing personalised training, mentoring, and an Employee Assistance Program for staff and families.
• Work from a convenient central location in Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane.
• Contribute to a culture that values each individual through the "You Matter" employee program including flexible work options, career development, rewards, and recognition.

Additional Information

Southern Cross Care is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory NDIS worker screening, right to work in Australia, and maintaining current flu vaccination.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead and make a significant impact within our organisation and community, please submit your application. For inquiries, contact the recruitment team directly.