* Shape policy and culture in this internationally expanding Australian company
* Work in the highly desirable video game industry in Melbourne
* Hybrid Melbourne based role
Role Overview
The People and Culture Lead is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s people strategy while remaining hands on across day to day HR operations. Reporting to the COO, this Melbourne based role partners closely with senior leaders and hiring managers to build a high performing, engaged, and values driven workforce.
You will provide strategic guidance while ensuring practical execution across HR operations, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and culture initiatives. Working in a creative or project driven environment, this role plays a key part in balancing business needs with employee wellbeing and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
People Strategy and Leadership
* Develop and implement the People and Culture strategy aligned with business goals
* Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on people related matters
* Lead, mentor, and support the HR and Recruitment Coordinator
* Champion company values, culture, and inclusion initiatives
* Provide leadership during periods of growth, change, or restructure
HR Operations and Employee Relations
* Oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring best practice and compliance
* Manage complex employee relations matters including performance management, grievances, and disciplinary processes
* Ensure compliance with Australian employment legislation, awards, and workplace policies
* Own and maintain HR policies, procedures, and frameworks
* Support managers with performance reviews, development plans, and difficult conversations
* Manage remuneration reviews, promotions, and role changes
Recruitment and Workforce Planning
* Partner with leaders to plan workforce needs across permanent, contract, and freelance roles
* Oversee end to end recruitment strategy and delivery
* Provide guidance on hiring decisions, role scoping, and market insights
* Ensure a consistent, inclusive, and high quality candidate experience
* Manage relationships with external recruiters, agencies, and training partners
* Oversee onboarding processes to support early engagement and retention
Learning, Development and Engagement
* Design and support learning and development initiatives
* Identify capability gaps and succession planning opportunities
* Support leadership development and coaching across the business
* Lead employee engagement, wellbeing, and retention initiatives
* Analyse engagement feedback and implement practical improvements
Culture, Performance and Change
* Drive performance management frameworks that support accountability and growth
* Support organisational change initiatives, restructures, and process improvements
* Use people data and insights to inform decision making and reporting
* Foster an inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe workplace
Systems, Reporting and Governance
* Oversee HR systems, ATS platforms, and people data
* Provide people metrics and insights to senior leadership
* Manage HR related risk and governance
* Continuously improve HR and recruitment processes
Skills and Experience
Essential
* 7+ years’ experience across HR or People and Culture roles
* Proven experience in a standalone or lead HR role
* Strong knowledge of Australian employment law and HR best practice
* Demonstrated experience managing employee relations and complex people matters
* Experience leading and mentoring HR team members
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Ability to operate strategically while remaining operationally hands on
Desirable
* Experience in creative, VFX, games, tech, or project based industries
* Experience managing high volumes of contractors or freelancers
* HR qualifications such as a degree, postgraduate study, or equivalent
* Experience supporting rapidly growing or changing organisations
Personal Attributes
* Confident, calm, and pragmatic
* Empathetic with strong commercial awareness
* Highly credible with senior leaders and employees
* Values driven and people focused
* Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change
Why This Role?
* Opportunity to shape and lead People and Culture in a growing business
* Direct influence on company culture, engagement, and performance
* Strong exposure to senior leadership with strategic input
* Chance to build and scale people frameworks from the ground up