People Business Partner
AFL - Australian Football League
Date: 7 hours ago
City: Melbourne, Victoria
Contract type: Full time

About Us
As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
About The Role
This newly created People Partner position sits within a collaborative team of six, reporting to the Head of People Business Partners. It plays a key role in delivering AFL’s people strategy and supporting its broader commercial vision.
With a focus on the Corporate and Commercial client group based at AFL House in Docklands, this role takes full ownership of all people-related activity in their portfolio - from strategic workforce planning to day-to-day advisory – the diversity of responsibilities is a draw card for someone who thrives on the variety. With a foundation of strong relationships across the business the role partners directly with senior leaders to shape culture, enhance engagement, and drive high-impact outcomes.
This is a senior HR opportunity with influence, breadth, and visibility. If you're looking to lead with credibility and be a key advisor to executive stakeholders, this could be the challenge you’re ready for.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
You’ll Lead People Initiatives And Coach Senior Leaders On a Broad Range Of HR Matters - From Organisational Design And Performance To Engagement, Risk And Change. You’ll Be a Key Contributor In Leadership Forums And Trusted Sounding Board For Executives. You'll Also
You’re someone at the top of your game. You know how to build strong relationships from the ground up, get stuff done, and balance the big-picture strategy with the everyday realities. You get people - whether they’re team members or execs - and you know how to meet them where they’re at. Ambiguity doesn’t scare you, and you’ve got a strong desire to act as a trusted advisor and expert.
You’ll be joining a small, close-knit team who back each other and deliver great outcomes - whether it’s rolling up sleeves on the daily or mapping out big ideas. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you should definitely get in touch. We’re meeting great people as we go, so apply asap to be considered.
What You Bring
We’re progressing applications as they come in, so don’t wait. If you’re looking for a role where you can bring your full experience to the table, grow alongside exceptional leaders, and work somewhere you’re proud to represent - this could be your next move.
THE CULTURE
Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation
THE PERKS
We’re reviewing interested candidates who apply on a daily basis and encourage you to submit your application early. Please note, only new applicants will be considered at this time.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children / Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
About The Role
This newly created People Partner position sits within a collaborative team of six, reporting to the Head of People Business Partners. It plays a key role in delivering AFL’s people strategy and supporting its broader commercial vision.
With a focus on the Corporate and Commercial client group based at AFL House in Docklands, this role takes full ownership of all people-related activity in their portfolio - from strategic workforce planning to day-to-day advisory – the diversity of responsibilities is a draw card for someone who thrives on the variety. With a foundation of strong relationships across the business the role partners directly with senior leaders to shape culture, enhance engagement, and drive high-impact outcomes.
This is a senior HR opportunity with influence, breadth, and visibility. If you're looking to lead with credibility and be a key advisor to executive stakeholders, this could be the challenge you’re ready for.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
You’ll Lead People Initiatives And Coach Senior Leaders On a Broad Range Of HR Matters - From Organisational Design And Performance To Engagement, Risk And Change. You’ll Be a Key Contributor In Leadership Forums And Trusted Sounding Board For Executives. You'll Also
- Drive people strategy and influence decision-making with evidence-led insights
- Lead and embed core HR practices (recruitment, talent, performance, succession)
- Partner on workforce design, culture, and leadership development initiatives
- Support complex employee matters with sound judgement and risk lens
- Contribute to national programs and projects and collaborate with your fellow P&C peers
- Keep things moving - you anticipate roadblocks and take action early
You’re someone at the top of your game. You know how to build strong relationships from the ground up, get stuff done, and balance the big-picture strategy with the everyday realities. You get people - whether they’re team members or execs - and you know how to meet them where they’re at. Ambiguity doesn’t scare you, and you’ve got a strong desire to act as a trusted advisor and expert.
You’ll be joining a small, close-knit team who back each other and deliver great outcomes - whether it’s rolling up sleeves on the daily or mapping out big ideas. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you should definitely get in touch. We’re meeting great people as we go, so apply asap to be considered.
What You Bring
- You’re all over generalist HR - from org design and engagement strategies to performance conversations, succession planning and retention.
- You’re known for having and demonstrating exceptional emotional intelligence; you can read the room better than most and position advice, feedback, presentations and communications accordingly.
- You’re a pro at supporting remote leaders and teams - balancing ‘here if you need’ with empowering others to own their stuff.
- You contribute with confidence at senior leadership tables and speak up when it counts - ensuring people and culture maintains a focus across diverse agenda items.
- You're outcome-focused and like to keep things moving - always thinking a few steps ahead to avoid mess and minimise risk.
- You can juggle a mix of admin, projects, exec conversations and 1:1s - all before lunch if needed.
- You bring depth and experience, but you’re also humble enough to ask for input when something’s outside your lane.
- You’re always spotting ways to improve how things are done - and you’re not shy about sharing ideas for better ways forward.
- You’re likely a seasoned HRBP or Manager ready for a role where you can be more ‘you’
- You’ve got a solid track record, a diverse background, and your mates would describe you as switched-on, fun, honest, and a great human to have around.
- You’re an experienced senior People/HR Business Partner with at least 5+ years under your belt, ideally across different industries and org sizes - you’ve seen (and handled) it all.
- You’ve got a solid HR qualification and know how to apply it - from the HR inbox and admin essentials to employee relations and delivering full - scale people programs.
- You know your way around IR, awards and compliance - you’re confident giving advice that’s accurate, practical and aligned with the bigger picture.
- You’ve built trust with stakeholders in past roles - people respect how you show up, especially when things get tough.
- You’re tech-savvy and comfortable with HRIS like SuccessFactors (or similar) - you value clean data, great records and smart insights.
- You’ve influenced outcomes using a mix of credibility, strong relationships and sound advice - you’ve got stories to prove it.
- Your communication game is strong - whether it’s an exec, team member or external partner, people walk away from your conversations feeling heard and supported.
- You’re calm in chaos - comfortable with change and ambiguity, and quick to pivot or re-prioritise when needed.
We’re progressing applications as they come in, so don’t wait. If you’re looking for a role where you can bring your full experience to the table, grow alongside exceptional leaders, and work somewhere you’re proud to represent - this could be your next move.
THE CULTURE
Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation
THE PERKS
- Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
- My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
- Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centred around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
- My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
- AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!
We’re reviewing interested candidates who apply on a daily basis and encourage you to submit your application early. Please note, only new applicants will be considered at this time.
The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children / Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.
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