Manager People & Culture
'Strategic HR Leadership role, great career and lifestyle opportunity.'
McArthur is proud to partner with Colac Otway Shire Council to lead the recruitment of their Manager People & Culture. This key role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing senior leadership team and to make a meaningful impact across the organisation.
Why you'll love working at Colac Otway Shire Council:
* Senior Leadership Opportunity
* Initiate and lead key initiatives that directly shape organisational outcomes
* Supportive and inclusive work environment
* Unique work and lifestyle location
About Colac Otway Shire:
Located just two hours south-west of Melbourne and one hour from Geelong, Colac Otway offers a unique lifestyle, combining career opportunity with the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road, Otway rainforests and northern lakes. With a strong economy built on primary industries, tourism, and community services, it's a fantastic place to live, work, and grow your career.
About the Role:
As Manager People & Culture, you will provide strategic leadership across Organisational Development, Employee and Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Payroll, and Workplace Health and Safety. You will drive a safe, inclusive, and compliant workplace, delivering contemporary HR and OHS policies and advice that support a capable, customer-focused organisation and the wellbeing of all staff.
Key Responsibilities include:
* Effective leadership and guidance across Organisational Development, Employee and Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Payroll Services and Workplace Health and Safety.
* Lead the implementation of Council's workforce planning and workplace diversity strategies.
* Lead the organisation in achieving a 'zero-harm', safe working environment.
* Provide leadership, specialist advice, guidance and support regarding current industrial award provisions, legislative matters and change management processes.
* Represent Council in discussions or negotiations with Unions or legal representation.
* Develop and implement processes and strategies that will enhance our employee and community experience.
About you:
To be successful in this role you'll bring proven HR and OHS expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to balance strategic insight with operational delivery. You are a collaborative and supportive leader, naturally 'people focused' who combines approachability with strong, values-driven decision making. Your background will include:
* Demonstrated experience across the full range of HR functions - ER/IR, recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, HR policy and compliance.
* Strong knowledge of Employment Law and industrial relations frameworks, with the ability to resolve complex issues.
* A track record of leading People and Culture teams and building capability across organisations.
* The confidence to provide practical advice to senior leaders and managers.
* A hands-on, outcomes-focused approach, with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Tertiary qualifications in HR, Industrial Relations, or Organisational Development would be highly regarded for this role. Experience working within a large, complex or similar environment would be necessary.
Guided by shared values and a clear strategic vision, Colac Otway Shire Council is committed to building capable, high-performing teams that work with integrity, openness and initiative. This is your chance to lead a positive, people-centred culture that encourages innovation and growth, and to be part of a supportive local government organisation.
To apply, please go to and quote job reference number J8793 in the search bar.
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Danielle Jupp on Ph: or M:
Applications will close by Tuesday 27th January 2026.