Human Resources Manager

St Mary's College; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s College in Adelaide requires an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead the strategic and operational delivery of HR across the employee life cycle, aligning with the College’s Catholic Dominican ethos and priorities.

The role partners with the Principal and Leadership Team to ensure workforce planning, recruitment, on-boarding, performance development, and industrial relations are effectively managed. A proven track record in HR within a complex environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Human Resources management within a complex environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with HRIS and data management systems is essential.
• Knowledge of National Employment Standards and relevant IR legislation is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR operations across the employee life-cycle and strategic HR initiatives.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management and industrial relations.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, safeguarding requirements and school policies.
• Partner with Payroll for wage interpretation and contractual obligations.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations and dispute resolution.
• Drive initiatives to attract, develop, retain and reward staff across the School.

Skills

HR management

Stakeholder management

Policy compliance

Change management

Education

Bachelor's in HR/Business

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

Employee Connect

Sentrient

Synergetic

Job description

St Mary’s College is the oldest continuously operating girls’ school in South Australia. A Reception to Year 12 Catholic Dominican College in the heart of Adelaide, we provide a nurturing, purpose-driven education where every student is seen and supported to grow into their full potential.

While we are steeped in tradition, we are not traditional. We understand the challenges and opportunities facing girls today and intentionally design learning environments that empower students to find their voice - and to use it. Girls at St Mary’s are encouraged to become confident and courageous learners - unafraid to lead, challenge norms, and speak up for what matters.

About the role

Classified as a Grade 6 position under the SA Catholic Schools Enterprise Agreement and reporting to the Principal, the Human Resources Manager (HRM) leads the strategic and operational delivery of Human Resources at St Mary's College, ensuring alignment with the College's purpose, values and strategic priorities. The role provides expert advice across workforce planning, employee relations, performance development and organisational change, while ensuring compliance with legislative, industrial and safeguarding requirements. Working in close partnership with the Principal and Leadership Team, the HRM is responsible for the full employee life cycle functions including workforce planning, recruitment, on-boarding, performance management and development, and industrial relations; ensuring the College attracts, develops and retains a high-performing workforce aligned with its Catholic Dominican ethos and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

Lead day-to-day HR operations across the employee life-cycle, ensuring delivery of strategic HR initiatives and business outcomes.

Drive continuous improvement of HR systems, reporting, policies and processes to enhance compliance, employee experience and the EVP.

Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HR documentation, contracts, policies and procedures remain current and compliant.

Partner with Payroll to oversee Award interpretation and compliance, including wage rates, employment conditions and contractual obligations.

Provide expert guidance on employee and industrial relations matters, supporting leaders and managing complex grievances and disputes.

Contribute to initiatives that attract, develop, retain and reward employees across the School.

Act as a trusted partner, maintaining close operational engagement with key stakeholder groups.

About you

Proven experience in Human Resources Management within a complex, multi-faceted environment.

Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships.

Adaptable and responsive approach to delivering HR support aligned with organisational values and principles.

Strong expertise in the use of MS Office, HRIS and data management.

Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Sound knowledge and application of the National Employment Standards and relevant industrial relations legislation.

Tertiary qualifications in HR or business related discipline and minimum 5 years of progressive experience in HR function or school leadership role.

High level proficiency in MS Office and ability to efficiently navigate databases and systems e.g. Employee Connect, Sentrient, and Synergetic.

For details about St Mary’s College and a copy of the position description, please visit the School’s website at https://www.stmarys.sa.edu.au

Applications will close 9am Monday 9 November 2026

The School reserves the right to shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date.

The successful applicant will be required to maintain a valid Working with Children Check, Protective Practices and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care training, A First Aid Certificate as well as adhere to the School’s Child and Young Person Safe Environment Policy.