EXTERNAL POST

R/GA; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

R/GA is seeking a Director Talent, APAC on a 12 month maternity cover to partner with executive leaders and deliver proactive HR solutions for the APAC region. The role focuses on developing talent, succession planning, and culture-driven engagement while partnering with global initiatives.

You will lead organisational change, provide data-driven insights, and champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across APAC, influencing senior stakeholders and driving retention and leadership development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Talent/HR leadership or HRBP roles.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving change.

Responsibilities

• Lead Talent initiatives with focus on development, succession planning, and culture-driven engagement.
• Collaborate with regional and global leaders to implement talent strategies.
• Act as a strategic partner to leaders on development opportunities and employee relations issues.
• Support Learning & Development and career development across APAC.

Skills

Talent strategy

Leadership development

Employee engagement

Workforce planning

Executive influence

Conflict resolution

Data-driven HR

Diversity & Inclusion

Job description

12 Month Maternity Cover Contract - note this role will begin in February 2027.

The Director Talent, APAC is a unique role overseeing various aspects of Talent for the APAC region. They will work closely with the CEO, APAC as well as partner with key leaders within the region to deliver proactive HR solutions that will meet strategic business needs, while fostering a climate of trust and commitment. Director Talent, APAC will work collaboratively with the SVP Global ED, Talent on Global Talent initiatives.

You will lead Talent initiatives with a focus on strategic employee development, succession planning, and culture-driven engagement. You will influence change at an organisational level, using data-driven insights to create and implement talent strategies that enhance performance, develop leaders, and drive retention.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Support overall organisational business planning and strategy, working closely with the CEO, APAC, Exec Director Finance, APAC & Office MD’s.
• Working collaboratively alongside the SVP, Global Exec Director of Talent to ensure successful launch and implementation of all Global talent initiatives within APAC
• Be an agent of change, influencing stakeholders to drive new and industry leading initiatives, with the ability to speak to external market insights
• Act as a coach to senior business leaders, championing the value of people strategies, sharing knowledge and best practice within the talent team, as well as within the business
• Lead organisational change management initiatives and support leaders as needed
• Serve as a strategic partner to leaders with respect to managing internal conflicts, advising on development opportunities and resolving complex employee relations issues
• Support Learning & Development efforts across APAC, including employee engagement activities, management development and team development.
• Actively drive the career development and growth of your direct reports ensuring equal opportunities, stretch projects and empowering the team to reach their full potential.
• Act as a champion for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The ideal person

• Has extensive knowledge in employee engagement, leadership development, and workforce planning.
• Has proven experience building trust and relationships with executive and senior leaders, demonstrating exceptional influence and credibility.
• Has extensive experience as a strategic partner with a strong understanding of business needs and the ability to create talent strategies that drive results.
• Is skilled at anticipating challenges and creating strategic, practical solutions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates expertise in conflict resolution, effective communication, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with empathy and professionalism.
• Is adept at using data to identify trends, provide insights, and make informed recommendations.
• Displays a deep commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, with experience driving initiatives in this area.

You bring

• 10+ years of experience in a Talent Partner, Human Resources, or HR Business Partnering role, including 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, and HR best practices.

Bonus Points

• Experience in the Advertising, Technology, or Creative industries.
• Background in organisational psychology or change management.

At R/GA, how we work is as important as what we build. Regardless of title, every team member brings these Signature Behaviours to life.

Make Things Happen — Ownership, momentum, and adaptability.

Make Things Together — Cross-functional collaboration, openness to feedback, and building on shared ideas.

Make Things New — Experimentation, fresh perspectives, and questioning the default.

Make Things Matter — Intentionality, craft, precision, and delivering lasting impact.

No-matter who you are, where you’re from, who you love, follow in faith, disability (or superpower) status, ethnicity or the gender you identify with (please do tell us your pronouns), you're welcome at R/GA. If you have any requests or requirements to support you throughout any interview process, please do let us know.