Lead with purpose. Shape culture. Make a difference.

At Sydney Catholic Early Childhood Services (SCECS), we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life – and that begins with exceptional people.

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Head of People and Culture to join our Executive Team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a growing, mission-led organisation supporting early childhood services across Sydney.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the People and Culture function, partnering with senior leaders to build a high-performing, engaged and purpose-driven workforce – all while keeping children at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role where you will:

• Partner with the CEO, Executive and Board to shape workforce strategy and organisational direction
• Lead a contemporary People & Culture function across the full employee lifecycle
• Champion a positive, inclusive and values-aligned culture
• Provide expert advice on complex workforce and employee relations matters
• Drive key organisational initiatives, including the optimisation of our HRIS
• Strengthen leadership capability, workforce planning and employee experience
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management across people practices

You’ll operate at both strategic and operational levels – from board reporting and organisational design through to supporting leaders with real-time people challenges.

About you

You are an experienced and confident People & Culture leader who brings both strategic insight and practical execution.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven leadership of a People & Culture function in a complex organisation
• Strong expertise in Australian employment law, industrial relations and workforce compliance
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving organisational change
• Experience with HR systems and using workforce data to inform decision-making
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and leadership capability
• A genuine commitment to child safety and ethical practice

You are someone who can balance compassion with accountability, and who thrives in an environment where purpose and performance go hand in hand.

Why join SCECS?

At SCECS, you’ll be part of something bigger.

• Purpose-driven work – contribute to the education and care of children across our communities
• Values-led culture – collaboration, integrity and care are at the heart of what we do
• Executive influence – play a key role in shaping organisational strategy and direction
• Opportunity to build and innovate – lead transformation and strengthen people practices
• Sector impact – help position SCECS as an employer of choice in early childhood

Our commitment

SCECS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. All staff are expected to uphold child safety standards and actively contribute to a culture of safeguarding.

We welcome candidates who respect and support the mission and values of Catholic education and care.

Ready to make an impact?

If you are a strategic People & Culture leader who is passionate about building strong organisations and making a meaningful difference — we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of SCECS.