Senior People and Culture Partner

at; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Adelaide is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to lead employee relations and support HR processes. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and a background in HR advisory roles. Responsibilities include coaching leaders, developing policies, and enhancing staff engagement. Applications should be submitted through SEEK, with closing date on December 8, 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or business partnering role.
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation and contemporary HR practice.
• Ability to build productive relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with leaders to provide HR advice.
• Lead complex employee relations matters with professionalism.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and policy development.
• Chair the WHS Committee for workplace safety.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Proactive approach

Problem-solving

Education

Tertiary qualifications in HR, Business, Psychology or similar

Qualification as a Certified Practitioner (CPHR) of AHRI

Job description

Overview

Scotch College Adelaide is an ambitious and aspirational ELC–12 College that exists to know, nurture and challenge all within its community. We value courage, integrity, inclusivity, and an unwavering focus on tomorrow in all that we do.

The People and Culture function supports a workforce of around 500 staff — from Teachers and ESOs in classrooms, to Sports Coaches on the fields and rivers, to Outdoor Education staff creating lifelong memories, and many roles in between. Our broad offering creates a dynamic and exciting people environment, all driven by a shared commitment to extraordinary student experiences.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of People and Culture and as a member of a tight knit and motivated People and Culture team, this role spans the full employee lifecycle with key responsibilities as follows:

• Work closely with leaders to understand their teams, coach them through people challenges, and provide clear, practical HR advice they can rely on.
• Lead complex employee relations matters with professionalism, care and sound judgement.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance and policy development with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Help to strengthen engagement and wellbeing initiatives across the College.
• Chair the WHS Committee and contribute to creating a proactive, safe and supportive workplace.
• Use data, systems and your natural curiosity to streamline processes and modernise the way we deliver people services.

About you

You’ll thrive here if you enjoy blending strategic insight with practical execution, and appreciate the variety that comes from contributing to long‑term priorities while remaining closely connected to day‑to‑day people work.

You’ll also share our enthusiasm for continuous improvement. The People and Culture function is evolving, and while some processes are still manual and developing, you’ll see this as an opportunity — bringing your ideas, problem‑solving and willingness to help build smarter, more efficient ways of working. The work you do today may look different in two years, and you’ll be as excited and energised as we are by that journey.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or business partnering role, ideally in a values‑based or education environment.
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments and contemporary HR practice.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build genuine, productive relationships at all levels.
• A proactive, improvement‑minded approach — you see opportunities, not obstacles.
• Tertiary qualifications in HR, Business, Psychology or similar. Qualification as a Certified Practitioner (CPHR) of AHRI is highly desirable.

More information about the role, including a Position Description, is available at www.scotch.sa.edu.au.

How to apply

Applications must be made through SEEK and close at 8am on Monday 8 December 2025.

Applications should include a Cover Letter and CV and can be addressed to Melissa Ciplys (Director of People & Culture).

Scotch College reserves the right to interview and appoint suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

Scotch College is a child‑safe organisation. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and will be required to comply with the College’s child protection policies and employment screening requirements.