Senior Manager, People and Culture (job share)

About Geelong Arts Centre

Geelong Arts Centre is the creative heart of Geelong, serving as a vital artery that connects creative industries with community, bridging local stories with global thinking to deliver extraordinary experiences. As a key State cultural organization - uniquely positioned as the only regional agency of our kind - we combine high-calibre productions with deep local accessibility, creating a space where community members can be on stage one night and in the audience the next.

Through our programming spanning performance, education, commercial productions and creative development, we nurture both established and emerging artists while celebrating the diverse voices of our community. Our recently completed $140m Little Malop Street Redevelopment marks an exciting evolution in our journey, expanding our capacity to serve as a creative hub that is profoundly local yet globally relevant. From our innovative Creative Engine initiatives supporting local artists to our dynamic performance seasons and commitment to First Nations voices, we stand as a beacon for artistic excellence and cultural connection in the G21 region.

About the role

As Senior Manager, People and Culture, you will partner with executives and people leaders to design and deliver a progressive People & Culture strategy. The Senior Manager of People & Culture provides high-level strategic advice to the CEO, the executive leadership team (ELT) and broader leadership group on a range of people leadership and management priorities designed to build capability and a high-performance culture at Geelong Arts Centre.

This is an opportunity to shape the employee experience at the largest regional arts centre in Australia, creating a vibrant culture that fosters growth and innovation. This position will play a pivotal role in embedding values and culture while building frameworks that empower our people to thrive

Desired Skills & Experience

We are looking for a candidate who is an engaging, energetic and pragmatic collaborator who is committed to inclusivity and diversity. You will display humility, innovation and empathy.  You will have a strong drive to raise staff satisfaction, resulting in enhanced engagement, retention and development. Your expertise in talent management, learning and development, nurturing organisational culture and change management are some of the strengths you bring to the role.

The opportunity on offer is a job-share arrangement to support two part-time (0.6-0.8FTE each) employees.

Essential qualifications and experience

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• Experience in a senior leadership role within People and Culture.
• Degree-level qualifications in a relevant HR field.
• Exceptional ability to effectively communicate and build relationship.
• Interpersonal and consultation skills and a collaborative approach.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience in leading and driving cultural change.
• Strong knowledge of workplace legislation.
• Track record in successful implementation of digital People systems.
• Success in leading and coaching HR teams to deliver high-impact results.

Special requirements

• Flexibility in working hours to support occasional after-hours or evening work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
• You are required to hold a current Working with Children’s Check (employee) for this role.
• This role will be performed mostly on-site supporting the Centre’s strong in-person team culture. Geelong Arts Centre operates in a partially hybrid mode, with some of our workforce negotiating working from home one day a week.

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.

Applications close Wednesday 9 July 2025

Please direct any queries to: employment@geelongartscentre.org.au