Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Full Time Permanent

   

MLC School is seeking an experienced, strategic and values driven Head of Human Resources to join our Executive team. This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for shaping and stewarding the School’s people strategy, governance and workforce capability, in alignment with our mission to educate and inspire young women to be fearless thinkers with moral courage, compassion and the confidence to be agents of change.

About MLC School

Founded in 1886, MLC School is an independent, nonselective Uniting Church school for girls from Prekindergarten to Year 12, located in Sydney’s inner west. Our guiding principle, dare to be more, reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation and care — for our students and our staff alike.

Under the leadership of the Principal, Ms Lisa Moloney, our highly professional staff challenge girls to think deeply, question traditional perceptions and roles of women, and develop the confidence and capability to thrive in an ever‑changing world.

The MLC School girl is at the heart of everything we do.

 

Who is the MLC School girl?

The MLC School girl is empowered with the skills and capabilities to be adaptive, compassionate and courageous, enabling her to confidently take her place in an ever‑changing society. She embraces challenge, strives for excellence and is supported to achieve her individual, personal and academic potential.

 

About the position

Reporting to the Principal and working as a key member of the School Executive, the Head of Human Resources provides strategic leadership, governance oversight and operational assurance across all human resources functions of the School.

The role is responsible for designing and embedding robust HR frameworks, policies and systems that strengthen compliance, risk management, organisational culture and workforce effectiveness.

The Head of Human Resources acts as a trusted advisor to the Principal and Executive on workforce strategy, industrial and employee relations, organisational development and change, while leading a high performing HR team and fostering strong relationships across the School community.

About you

You are a senior HR leader who brings both strategic perspective and sound operational judgement. You are confident operating at Executive level, providing clear, evidence based advice on complex people, governance and risk matters.

You are known for your integrity, discretion and ability to balance care with accountability. You enjoy working in values driven environments and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to girls’ education and to a purposeful organisation.

You will bring:

• A strong governance mindset, with the ability to design, oversee and assure HR frameworks and controls
• Well developed influencing skills and the confidence to provide constructive challenge at Executive level
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, capability and consistency across the organisation
• A commitment to continuous improvement, data informed decision making and ethical practice

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic direction, governance and assurance of the Human Resources function
• Developing and implementing workforce strategies aligned to the School’s strategic plan and values
• Providing expert advice on industrial relations, employment legislation and complex people matters
• Overseeing HR governance frameworks, policies, delegations, controls and risk management
• Leading workforce planning, performance management, remuneration and talent development initiatives
• Overseeing the School’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to ensure effective governance, data integrity and utilisation
• Building leadership capability and supporting managers to lead confidently and compliantly
• Leading and developing the HR team to deliver high‑quality, consistent and ethical people services

 

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in human resources, preferably within an educational or similarly complex environment
•  Strong governance capability with sound judgement, risk awareness and assurance focus
• Extensive knowledge of employment legislation, industrial relations and workforce compliance
• Demonstrated experience overseeing HRIS platforms and workforce data reporting (experience with ConnX is essential)
• Proven ability to influence, advise and partner with Executive leaders on strategic workforce matters
• Excellent communication, relationship building and negotiation skills
• A commitment to girls’ education and the ethos and values of MLC School and the Uniting Church
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development

 

The successful candidate will be rewarded with a number of excellent benefits including:

• A strong focus on professional growth and leadership development
• State of the art facilities and a collegiate working environment
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family
• Salary packaging opportunities
• Access to Long Service Leave after five years’ service
• Fitness Passport
• Discounted school fees (subject to eligibility)
• Onsite parking and convenient access to public transport and local amenities
• Access to the School’s gym and indoor aquatic centre

 

How to apply:

All applications are to be submitted via MLC School’s online Careers Portal and include:

•  a cover letter addressing the role and demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria;
•  a resume (including the names and contact details of three confidential referees)

Applications close on 8 April 2026.

Please note the advertising closing date is indicative only and MLC School reserves the right to close the advertisement before this date is reached. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

We do not welcome interest from recruitment agencies at this time.