Head of Human Resources
G.J. Gardner Homes – Birtinya, Sunshine Coast
Are you a seasoned, strategic HR leader who isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on? Do you thrive in a dynamic, relationship-driven environment where your work directly impacts a global network of small family businesses?
G.J. Gardner Homes, Australia's leading home builder, is seeking a dynamic Head of Human Resources to join our Leadership Team at our Birtinya office. This pivotal role will report directly to the CEO and spearhead our HR strategy and operations across both our Australian and US Franchisor teams, driving our mission to remain a premier employer of choice.
About Us
At G.J. Gardner Homes, we're more than just a construction company – we're a Gardner family-owned business, led by the second generation of Gardners, with family permeating throughout the business. This includes our network of locally owned and operated Franchise Owners who are fundamentally running small family businesses themselves. We pride ourselves on "the G.J. way", where Australians benefit from our local knowledge, how we listen to their needs, provide honest advice and pricing, as well as our flexibility to personalise and shape our homes around them.
About the Role
As the Head of HR, you will hold a critical seat on the Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO. You will lead our HR strategy globally, while remaining deeply connected to day-to-day operations. This is a true generalist leadership role—split between high-level workforce strategy and hands-on execution.
Your key focus areas will include:
* Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CEO, Executive, and Leadership Team to design, advocate for, and implement a global HR Strategy that aligns with our commercial priorities.
* Franchise Capability & Leadership Frameworks: Design and deliver structured frameworks and tools that empower our Franchise Owners to become better, more effective people leaders within their own local operations.
* Workforce Planning & Data Analysis: Regularly analyse franchise workforce data to provide the network with expert advice on capacity planning, optimal team structures, and proactive workforce scaling as they grow their businesses.
* People & Recruitment Management: Lead the recruitment effort and directly manage our Recruitment Specialist, overseeing the talent acquisition support pipeline for both the Franchisor team and our global franchise network.
* Hands-On Operations: Personally manage internal employee relations, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance review infrastructure for the Franchisor team.
* Training & Engagement: Collaborate with leadership to identify training needs, coordinate Franchisor development days, and deploy initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of our network.
* Employer Branding: Enhance and champion the corporate employment brand to position G.J. Gardner Homes as an employer of choice across the globe.
This role is based in our Birtinya office, offering a flexible hybrid working environment with Wednesdays and Thursdays required in the office.
What We Offer
* Full-time position with a competitive salary package.
* A direct seat on a collaborative and forward-thinking Leadership Team.
* The unique challenge of a global remit, directly supporting both AU and US markets.
* Hybrid working model with specific collaborative days in our office on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
About You
* Experienced Leader: 10+ years of experience as a senior HR manager, with a proven track record operating at a strategic leadership level.
* Franchise Savvy: Prior experience within a franchise network or complex stakeholder business model is a distinct advantage.
* Analytical & Strategic: Commercially minded with the ability to interpret workforce metrics and translate them into practical scaling and capacity-planning advice for small business owners.
* The Right Blend: You can comfortably pivot from presenting high-level strategy to the executive team to handling day-to-day HR compliance, data, and hands-on recruiting.
* Exceptional Communicator: Possess advanced interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills to support, mentor, and guide independent Franchise Owners.
* Qualified Generalist: Tertiary qualification in Human Resources Management or related disciplines.
* Industry Knowledge (Plus): A background in the home building or construction sector is a plus.
How to Apply
If you are a friendly, approachable, and highly organised HR professional ready to make this global role your own, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.