People and Development Manager - Flexible Location

The Wilderness Society seeks a People and Development Manager for a 0.8 FTE, 12-month leave cover position in Melbourne. The role involves developing HR strategies, advising staff, and fostering an inclusive culture. Candidates should have over 5 years of HR experience and knowledge of employment law. The position offers flexible working hours and location, with a focus on collaboration and support for employee development.
About us

The Wilderness Society is working for a future that does not rely on continued destruction of nature and our climate, but rather flourishes because of our responsible stewardship of these core life support systems. We value organisational independence and integrity.

Be part of a team that’s secured some of the biggest wins for Australian wilderness and nature: stopping the damming of the Franklin River forty years ago, keeping big oil out of the Great Australian Bight, or defending special forests the length and breadth of this continent.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The People and Development Manager role is a 0.8 FTE 12 month leave cover position. We are looking for someone who will bring passion for the value that a healthy HR function can add to organisational culture, and pursuit of purpose. You have a willingness to pitch in when needed and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes.

Reporting to the CEO, the People and Development Manager play's a crucial role in supporting our people to succeed. The role is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies, from training programs to employee relations, and helping to ensure a positive and productive work environment.

This role involves advising managers and staff, facilitating development opportunities, and maintaining compliance with employment regulations. The People and Development Manager contributes to building an inclusive culture and oversees key processes like recruitment and performance.

ABOUT YOU
• You have 5+ years experience in a similar role.
• You have a broad knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices.
• You are an excellent communicator with leadership and relationship building skills.
• You have a proven ability to manage employee relations and conflict resolution professionally.
• You have sound problem-solving skills, initiative, and adaptability.
• You bring a proactive flexible ‘can-do’ approach working both collaboratively with a close knit team and as an autonomous effectively focused achiever.
• You are committed to Wilderness Society purpose, vision and values and to success in the protection of the natural environment.

A position description is attached that details the all the essential and desired skills.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for the role.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
• Five weeks of annual leave per year
• Genuine flexibility in working hours and location, with support for office and/or remote working
• 15 days personal leave
• 3 additional leave days at end of year
• Floating public holidays
• Generous Paid parental leave (subject to eligibility conditions)
• Commitment to supporting your professional development
• Access to Long Service Leave after five years of continuous service
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (free counselling service)
• Regular 1:1 meetings for coaching and management support
• Performance conversations for reflections and growth
• When you start, a co-developed initial 3 month work plan

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

Our approach to diversity is about embracing everyone. From building a culture where you can bring your best self to work, to deploying initiatives that support the different needs of our staff, we are proud to be part of building an inclusive world for all. If you identify as a First Nations person, a woman, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, a person with a disability, a person of colour, or if you are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, we strongly encourage you to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We're committed to reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities; please let us know if you require any.

A position description is attached.