Manager, People and Culture

About us

Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.

Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong’s position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.

Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.

About the role

The Manager, People and Culture is responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality people and culture (P&C) services, providing operational support across the organisation, and ensuring P&C activities align with organisational priorities. The role plans and oversees day-to-day HR operations, manages a team of P&C practitioners, and drives continuous improvement in workforce practices, systems, and processes.

The position provides expert advice on employee relations, workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, organisational development and wellbeing initiatives. It plays a key leadership role in building manager capability, promoting a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with legislation, industrial instruments and internal policies.

The Manager, People & Culture ensures effective coordination of P&C workflows, monitors service quality and timeliness, and supports the development, coaching and performance of the P&C team. 

The role collaborates with leaders across the organisation to anticipate workforce needs, resolve complex issues, and implement initiatives that strengthen organisational performance and employee experience.

Essential qualifications and experience

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in human resources, employee relations, organisational development or a related discipline.

• Substantial expertise in People & Culture operations, with proven ability to lead and manage a HR function.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and manage a high-performing team.

• Passion for creating an exceptional employee experience, including digital environments.

• Systems and data savvy with proven experience working with an HRIS (such as ELMO).

• Analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence outcomes and work collaboratively with managers, employees and external stakeholders.

• Extensive understanding of the Fair Work Act, Awards and National Employment Standards, as well as a mature understanding of their application and interpretation.

• Experience in case managing a range of complex human resource issues.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Experience in managing WorkCover claims to successful resolution.

Special requirements

• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.

• The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:
o Working with Children’s Check (employee)

The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.

Applications close Midnight Thursday 8 January 2026

Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!

To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.

Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace. 

Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.

Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.