General Manager of Human Resources

KIA Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Kia Australia is seeking an experienced GM of Human Resources to lead our people strategy and drive talent, culture and capability across the business. Reporting to the CFO, you will shape workforce planning, leadership development, remuneration and HR operations to support growth and an inclusive workplace.

With a minimum 10 years in HR and at least 5 in senior leadership, you will partner with executives to deliver strategic people initiatives, ensure compliance with Australian employment

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related discipline.
• Experience developing and implementing people strategies that align with business outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, compliance requirements and HR best practice.
• Proven experience in talent acquisition, leadership development and succession planning.
• Strong change management and organisational development capability.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with experience using HR metrics to drive improvement.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop HR strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
• Partner with senior leaders to provide expert advice on people, culture and workforce planning.
• Drive employee engagement, retention and organisational performance initiatives.
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning and leadership development programs.
• Overseeing performance management frameworks and capability development initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, workplace regulations and HR best practice.
• Managing employee relations matters and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Overseeing HR operations, payroll processes, employee records and HR systems.
• Managing compensation, benefits and employee programs, including novated lease arrangements.
• Developing and maintaining HR policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Using HR analytics and metrics to support business decisions and continuous improvement.
• Leading change management and organisational development initiatives.

Skills

HR strategy

Talent management

Leadership development

Succession planning

Employee engagement

Change management

Organisational development

Employee relations

Analytical decision making

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related discipline

Tools

HRIS platforms

Payroll systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded GM of Human Resources to lead and drive our people strategy across Kia Australia.

Reporting to the CFO, this leadership role will be responsible for shaping and delivering HR initiatives that support business growth, strengthen organisational capability and foster a high-performing, engaged and inclusive workplace culture. You will act as a trusted advisor on all people-related matters, ensuring the organisation attracts, develops and retains exceptional talent while maintaining compliance and best-practice HR standards.

About the Role

As GM of Human Resources, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the HR function, including workforce planning, talent management, employee engagement, organisational development, remuneration, compliance and HR operations.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with organisational objectives

Partnering with senior leaders to provide expert advice on people, culture and workforce planning

Driving employee engagement, retention and organisational performance initiatives

Leading talent acquisition, succession planning and leadership development programs

Overseeing performance management frameworks and capability development initiatives

Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, workplace regulations and HR best practice

Managing employee relations matters and fostering a positive workplace culture

Overseeing HR operations, payroll processes, employee records and HR systems

Managing compensation, benefits and employee programs, including novated lease arrangements

Developing and maintaining HR policies, procedures and governance frameworks

Using HR analytics and metrics to support business decisions and continuous improvement

Leading change management and organisational development initiatives

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

Minimum 10 years' HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related discipline

Demonstrated success developing and implementing people strategies that support business outcomes

Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, compliance requirements and HR best practice

Proven experience in talent acquisition, leadership development and succession planning

Strong change management and organisational development capability

Experience managing complex employee relations matters

Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills

Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with experience using HR metrics to drive improvement

Experience with HRIS platforms and payroll systems

What You'll Bring

Strategic thinking and business acumen

Strong leadership and people management capability

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement

Passion for fostering positive workplace culture and employee experience

Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within the HR function

Why Join Us?

You will have the opportunity to shape culture, influence strategic direction and build a people-first environment that supports long-term business success.

If you are an experienced senior HR leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a human resources manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Have you got experience working in the automotive industry?
• Do you hold a qualification in Human Resources or a related discipline?

What can I earn as a Human Resources Manager