Director of People

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Director of People to join a global leader in the agricultural sector, based in Tullamarine. This pivotal role offers you the chance to shape the people strategy for Australia (and APAC) within a highly respected international organisation renowned for its commitment to innovation, employee wellbeing, and sustainable growth. As Director of People in this matrix-organisation, you will act as a strategic business partner to senior leaders, driving initiatives that foster a high-performing, inclusive culture while ensuring alignment with global priorities. You will be empowered to influence organisational transformation, champion diversity and inclusion, and deliver impactful talent strategies that support both local and international objectives. This position provides significant scope for professional growth, cross-border collaboration, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of the agricultural sector.

What you'll do:
As Director of People, you will play a central role in shaping the future of the Australian (and APAC) business by acting as both strategist and hands-on leader. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you partnering closely with senior leaders to align people strategies with evolving business needs while ensuring these are seamlessly integrated into broader global frameworks. You will oversee all aspects of talent management -from recruitment through onboarding to ongoing development- ensuring every stage supports an engaging employee experience. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices you will help cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. Your expertise in compliance will ensure that policies are not only adhered to but also reflect the organisation's values. Through your analytical approach you will use data-driven insights to continuously refine strategies that build engagement and operational excellence. This is an influential role where your ability to connect teams locally and globally will be key to unlocking new levels of organisational success.

• Align people function strategies with business objectives to deliver initiatives that enhance performance, culture, and employee experience across the Australian business.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams in Australia and APAC, providing expert counsel on all people-related matters and influencing key decisions.
• Represent Australia within the global people team by collaborating on enterprise-wide strategies, shared services delivery, and implementation of best practices.
• Drive strategic recruitment efforts and workforce planning in partnership with global talent acquisition teams to attract and retain top talent.
• Oversee performance management processes by coaching leaders to provide continuous feedback and support employee development aligned with business goals.
• Identify high-potential employees and facilitate succession planning through tailored learning and development programmes.
• Champion an inclusive culture by fostering strong connections between local and global teams while promoting company values throughout all levels of the organisation.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to unlock synergies, improve organisational effectiveness, and lead change management initiatives including communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with local labour laws by providing guidance on HR policies, leading safety initiatives, and proactively mitigating risk through robust controls.
• Leverage people data and analytics to identify workforce trends, inform decision-making processes, measure strategy effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.

What you bring:
To excel as Director of People you will bring extensive experience leading HR functions within large-scale matrixed environments where collaboration is essential. Your background should include proven success in developing people strategies that align with both local market requirements and overarching global objectives. You are adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining focus on creating positive employee experiences throughout their lifecycle. Your interpersonal strengths enable you to nurture relationships built on trust -whether advising senior executives or supporting team members during periods of change. A keen eye for detail ensures your work is always accurate while your analytical capabilities empower you to turn data into actionable insights. Above all else your passion for nurturing inclusive cultures combined with your commitment to ethical practice sets you apart as someone who truly makes a difference.

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in HR leadership roles within complex matrixed organisations where you have demonstrated your ability to collaborate across functions and geographies.
• Bachelor's degree or higher qualification relevant to human resources or business administration is required for this position.
• A genuine passion for contributing positively within the agricultural industry, understanding it's unique challenges.
• Comprehensive knowledge across multiple HR disciplines including compensation practices, organisational diagnosis, employee relations, diversity initiatives, performance management systems as well as federal and multi-state employment laws.
• Proficiency in using HR software systems such as ADP or Oracle alongside advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite for effective reporting and analysis.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to build trust-based relationships at all levels while delivering outstanding customer service internally.
• Outstanding communication abilities -both verbal and written- that allow you to convey complex information clearly while fostering open dialogue among stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail ensuring accuracy in all aspects of HR administration from payroll processing through benefits coordination.
• Demonstrated capability in managing change effectively by supporting stakeholders through transitions using structured communication plans and training programmes.
• Strong analytical mindset allowing you to interpret workforce data accurately so as to inform strategic decisions that drive continuous improvement.

What sets this company apart:
This organisation stands out as a true pioneer within the agricultural sector, uniting several world-renowned brands under one umbrella while remaining deeply committed to advancing their solutions globally. Employees benefit from being part of an international network that values knowledge sharing across borders yet recognises the importance of local impact. The company fosters an environment where collaboration is encouraged at every level; ideas are welcomed regardless of origin; personal growth is supported through access to training opportunities; and flexibility is offered wherever possible so individuals can balance professional ambitions with personal commitments. Working here means joining a community dedicated not only to industry excellence but also social responsibility, making it an ideal place for those who want their work to have real-world significance beyond commercial success.
What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in people leadership further by making a meaningful contribution within a globally respected organisation then this is your moment. Apply now through the website.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply please click apply or call Wouter De Vries on 61 3 8628 2262 for a confidential discussion.