HR Director / Head of HR in Sydney

HR Director / Head of HR job description

The HR Director/Head of HR leads the strategic and operational direction of the human resources function, aligning people strategies with organisational objectives. This role oversees all HR disciplines including talent management, employee relations, workforce planning, and compliance, while advising senior leadership on culture, performance, and organisational development.

HR Director / Head of HR job duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of an HR Director/Head of HR include:

Developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with business goals

Leading and mentoring the HR team

Leading talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning initiatives

Overseeing performance management, remuneration, and employee engagement programs

Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and industrial relations frameworks

Advising senior leaders on workforce planning and organisational design

Driving cultural transformation and employee experience strategies

Overseeing HR operations, systems, metrics, and reporting functions

Building strategic partnerships with external consultants, legal advisors, and regulatory bodies

Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and workplace wellbeing initiatives

Typical HR Director / Head of HR job qualifications and requirements

A degree in human resources, business, or a related field is essential, along with extensive senior HR leadership experience, ideally gained in complex or multi-site environments. Formal HR qualifications, such as AHRI membership, are also required.

10+ years of experience in senior or strategic HR leadership roles

In-depth knowledge of Australian employment law, industrial relations, and HR best practices

Proven experience in leading organisational change, cultural transformation, and workforce planning initiatives

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align people strategy with business objectives

Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and mentor high-performing HR teams

Proficiency in enterprise HR systems and data-driven HR reporting (e.g. Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)

Experience in talent management, succession planning, and executive leadership development

Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including collaboration with executive teams, board members, and external advisors

Commitment to driving diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing strategies

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Salary for HR Director / Head of HR in Sydney

216140 - 318325

25th Percentile

216140

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

288900

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

318325

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

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50th Percentile

75th Percentile

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115560

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Talent Acquisition Manager

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149265

Learning & Development Specialist / Manager

111815

141775

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103255

125725

143380

WHS Manager

129470

150870

169060

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