Consulting & Generalist HR / People & Culture
Full time
$100,000 – $130,000 + super
Summary points:
• Service-based organisation where people are the competitive edge
• Drive culture, engagement and communication across the team
• Direct line to Director; high visibility and real influence
Help shape the people experience at Jem Archaeology - a growing team (~40) delivering specialist archaeological services alongside Traditional Owners, clients and stakeholders. This is a true generalist role where you’ll partner directly with the Managing Director: part strategy, part sleeves-rolled-up delivery across the full employee lifecycle.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a seasoned People & Culture Advisor who’s as comfortable coaching leaders and guiding employee relations as they are building pragmatic systems and getting the basics right. You’ll own end-to-end HR across recruitment, performance, capability, culture and compliance - driving scalable foundations as we grow.
Why It’s Compelling
Scope: Direct line to the Managing Director; real influence on people decisions and culture.
Breadth + impact: Balance strategic projects (capability, retention, development) with hands-on HR hygiene.
Meaningful work: Contribute to preserving Victoria’s cultural heritage while supporting a high-calibre technical team.
Build from a strong foundation: Take what’s working, sharpen processes, and introduce simple, fit-for-purpose systems.
What You’ll Do
Partner & advise: Coach team leaders on management, employee relations, and performance management.
Recruit & onboard: Run end-to-end hiring (JDs, ads, screening, interviews, references) and craft smooth, consistent onboarding.
Lift performance & capability: Lead reviews and goal-setting, maintain the skills matrix, coordinate training and development pathways.
Lead employee relations with care: Manage cases, investigations, probations and (when required) warnings/terminations with fairness and discipline.
Keep us compliant: Maintain policies and contracts; stay across Australian employment law & award changes; administer leave and employee records.
Own health & safety touchpoints: Coordinate OHS processes, incident reporting and claims liaising as needed.
Enable culture: Drive engagement rhythms (recognition, team days, communication) so everyone feels respected, supported and heard.
Build simple systems: Stand up and refine HR processes/tools that scale with growth.
What You Bring
You’ve come from a service-based organisation where people are the backbone and competitive advantage. You know how to leverage corporate-grade knowledge - policies, frameworks, and HR hygiene - and right-size it for a nimble SME. You’re pragmatic, agile, and appreciate the dynamic workplace that an SME demands.
5+ years’ HR generalist experience (ideally in a small/medium services business you’ve helped grow).
Trusted influencer: You build credibility fast with technical teams and team leaders.
Employee relations confidence: Solid case management and investigation hygiene.
Talent know-how: Comfortable writing great job ads, managing offers/contracts and onboarding.
Systems mindset: You design pragmatic frameworks (development, policies, HRIS basics) and keep them humming.
Transparent communicator & problem solver with strong judgement.
Qualifications: Degree in HR (or related) or equivalent experience; Victorian driver’s licence.
Roll-up-your-sleeves style: Happy to pitch in beyond the PD when the situation demands.
Package & Workstyle
Salary: $100,000 - $130,000 + super (commensurate with experience).
Location: Bayswater HQ (on-site majority; some site visits as required).
Start: ASAP (flexible for the right person).
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a personalised cover letter explaining why you’re looking to change careers and why this role is a match for you.
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Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- How many years' experience do you have as a People and Culture Adviser?
- Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
- How many years of recruitment experience do you have?
- How many years of generalist HR experience do you have?
- How many years of employee relations experience do you have?
- How many years of experience do you have in industrial relations & employment law?
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What can I earn as a People and Culture Adviser
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📌 People & Culture Advisor (HR All-rounder)
🏢 Jem Archaeology
📍 Melbourne