Lifestart is looking for an experienced senior HR professional who combines deep HR expertise with a commercial approach to lead our HR function and support the future sustainability of the organisation.
Our People and Culture team is a strategic partner across the organisation, enabling a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding to performance, engagement, wellbeing, and offboarding, ensuring our people are empowered and connected every step of the way.
About the Role
We’re seeking a senior HR leader to join our executive team. You’ll bring a strategic, commercially minded approach to workforce planning, risk mitigation, and organisational development — while championing a safe, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
You’ll be as comfortable developing enterprise-wide strategies as you are rolling up your sleeves and navigating complex ER/IR matters. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a leadership role with true autonomy.
Key responsibilities include:
- People & Culture strategy – align people priorities with our organisational vision.
- Develop and deliver a strategic HR roadmap – with clear milestones, collaboration across teams, and measurable outcomes.
- Champion organisational culture – foster psychological safety, inclusivity, and high performance.
- Drive innovation across workforce planning, organisational design, talent development, and employee engagement.
- Advise the CEO and Board – on strategic workforce matters, risk, and compliance.
- Oversee the employee lifecycle – including WHS, legal compliance, policies, and process improvement.
- Lead change and transformation initiatives – ensuring clarity, communication, and minimal disruption.
- Mentor and lead a skilled P&C team – embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
About You – Skills and Experience
You’re a confident and compassionate HR professional with a commercial mindset and a practical approach. You’ll bring:
- Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or a related field.
- Significant experience in senior HR leadership, preferably within the not-for-profit sector.
- Proven success managing the full spectrum of HR functions with a true generalist approach.
- Expertise in workforce strategy, organisational culture, and leadership coaching.
- In-depth understanding of employment legislation, risk management, and compliance.
- A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build trust quickly with all stakeholders.
- Experience implementing and managing HRIS and systems to support business goals
- A passion for people, purpose, and making a real difference in the community.
Why Join Lifestart?
YOUR FUTURE, EMPOWERED!
Working at Lifestart means working for an organisation that has grown from humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s leading disability service providers without compromising the values at its heart.
Lifestart was founded in 1996 by a group of eight families who believed kids with disability deserved better support. Today, we operate out of eleven offices throughout NSW and support over 10,000 children and young people, their families and their carers across Australia. It’s a success we’re proud of because it is a success built on lived experience and a genuine desire to change lives for the better.
You’ll be joining a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team where your contributions are valued. In addition, we offer:
- Competitive Compensation – enjoy a competitive salary package, including superannuation and leave loading.
- Increase your take-home pay- boost your take-home pay with up to $6,500 in salary packaging benefits and access to novated vehicle leasing.
- Flexible Work Arrangements – work flexibly with options for hybrid and remote work to support your work-life balance.
- Employee Wellbeing Support – access comprehensive wellbeing resources, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your mental health.
- Professional Growth Opportunities – Access to structured professional development, supervision, and peer support to help you grow in your career.
- Onsite Health & Fitness Facilities – enjoy free access to the onsite pool and gym at Rhodes Corporate Park to maintain your physical health.
