Interim HR Manager

Peak Services; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council seeks an experienced Interim HR Manager for a short-term placement based in their Townsville office. You will lead and support the HR function, mentoring an emerging HR Advisor and ensuring continuity of HR services across recruitment, employee relations and payroll oversight.

In this hands-on role, you will partner with the CEO and leadership team to strengthen recruitment capabilities, governance, and HR systems while navigating a complex public sector

Qualifications

• Hands-on HR generalist capable of operating in complex environments.
• Public sector or local government experience is highly regarded.
• Experience mentoring and developing HR professionals.
• Immediate start for a short-term placement based in Townsville.

Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment activities and selection processes.
• Support employee relations matters and provide guidance on performance issues.
• Assist with payroll oversight and contract management.
• Contribute to development of HR systems, governance frameworks and workplace processes.
• Coach and support an emerging recruitment professional to build capability.

Skills

HR Generalist

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

People management

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Job description

• Lead and support a busy HR function | Townsville Based Role
• Mentor and develop an emerging Human Resources Advisor while delivering hands-on HR support.

Make a meaningful impact in one of Australia's most unique and culturally rich communities.

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is seeking an experienced and adaptable Interim HR Manager for a placement of up to two months based in their brand new Townsville office. Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, you will provide practical leadership and stability across the People and Capability function and maintain continuity of HR services. More specifically you will assist with the appointment of a permanent HR Manager and strengthen Council’s recruitment and people management capabilities.

This is a genuinely hands-on role requiring an HR professional who can quickly build relationships, provide trusted advice, and confidently manage a diverse range of people matters. You will oversee recruitment activities, support employee relations matters, provide guidance on performance and workforce issues, assist with payroll oversight, and contract management, and contribute to the ongoing development of HR systems, governance frameworks, and workplace processes. Equally important will be your ability to coach and support an emerging recruitment professional, helping to build confidence, capability, and sustainable practices within the team.

We are looking for a strong HR generalist with experience operating in complex environments and a history of balancing strategic advice with operational delivery. Local government or public sector experience will be highly regarded, as will expertise in complaints management, workforce planning, HR compliance, systems improvement, and organisational capability. If you thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy mentoring others and want to contribute to a Council committed to community outcomes, cultural respect and positive change, this short-term opportunity offers the chance to make an immediate and lasting impact. You may even enjoy it and want to apply for the Permanent Role!

Regardless, Council are looking for someone to start immediately and will provide all the support you require to be as effective as possible for the time required.

Applications will close on Thursday 8th October 2026 at 10pm.