Hr Manager

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education. 

We are Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users—researchers, faculty, staff and students—at institutions across Australia, supporting education and research across a diverse range disciplines including high energy physics, climate science, genomics, radio astronomy and the arts.

Nationally, AARNet interconnects Australian universities, the CSIRO, and other organisations who have a research and education mission, or with whom the education and research sector interacts. These include hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums. Internationally, AARNet interconnects the Australian Research and Education (R & E) community to the world – and continuously develops new capabilities and partnerships to facilitate seamless data access and transfer. 

AARNet also offers a suite of supporting applications to our customers. These include network and collaboration services such as Zoom, SOC and Security that enable innovation in the delivery of research and education.

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We are not constrained by traditional products and solutions and we constantly strive to build the solutions that our customers will need tomorrow – today. If you have the imagination, foresight and drive to build the future why not come and join us?

This role will oversee all HR functions, including recruitment, payroll, industrial compliance, employee relations, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion. The HR Manager will ensure that the company's human resources practices are aligned with business objectives and compliant with Australian regulations.

The successful applicant will be a driven multitasker, confident in managing systems and processes across the organisation and coaching all levels of management.

This is an 18 month maximum term role to support a parental leave backfill.

Provide robust leadership and development of one direct report (HR Coordinator)

Recruitment:

• Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent, including maintaining relationships with our panel of recruitment agencies
• Manage the end-to-end recruitment process of a variety of roles, including job postings, candidate screenings, interviews, and onboarding
• Manage applicant tracking system Livehire and keep ‘warm’ talent pools of candidates for higher volume roles
• Collaborate with hiring managers and department heads to understand staffing needs and ensure timely hiring

Payroll:

• Ensure proper record keeping of all employee documentation and payroll records, including quality of data in HRIS/Payroll system as ‘source of truth’
• Manage payroll processes (including terminations) to ensure accurate and timely compensation for employees
• Manage administration of ‘TechnologyOne’ ERP system including the HRIS, position management, payroll, safety, and performance review functions and handle system queries
• Fulfil reporting requests as required, including the annual audit process
• Ensure compliance with relevant payroll regulations and tax obligations
• Handle payroll inquiries and resolve any discrepancies promptly
• Manage administration of expense/corporate card system

Industrial Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with Australian labor laws and industrial regulations including the Telecommunications Award
• Monitor changes in legislation and update HR policies and procedures accordingly
• Manage workplace agreements and employment contracts
• Complete audits as required to ensure compliance
• Manage regulatory reporting requirements including WGEA and Health and Safety
• Manage OHS compliance and processes across the organization and have active involvement in OHS committee

Employee Relations:

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Support and coach leaders across the organisation
• Address employee concerns and grievances in a fair and timely manner
• Manage processes including mediations, consultations, performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, restructures, and other changes to employment; in line with industrial legislation.
• Implement strategies to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction
• Manage relationship with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ‘Eudoxia’

Learning and Development:

• Design and deliver training programs to support employee development and career growth.
• Manage administration of Learning Management System (LMS) ‘Absorb’ and creation of internal e-leaning modules
• Identify skill gaps and develop initiatives to enhance employee competencies
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make improvements as needed
• Actively identify opportunities for internal movements, promotions, secondments or other activities that support employee development
• Manage annual Performance and Development Review (PDR) process and ensure teams complete these processes to support performance management and employee development
• Manage the AARNet Graduate Program, Cyber Intern Program, and Work Experience Program; ensuring relevant learning outcomes for participants and supporting a pipeline of future AARNet employees

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Develop and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within the company including events such as Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week, Pride Month, and NAIDOC
• Ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees
• Advocate for a diverse and inclusive work environment through policies and practices
• Support the increase of female and first nations employees into our workforce, with a focus on technical and leadership positions

Board Engagement Activities:

• Prepare HR reports and presentations for board meetings; including the bi-annual Remuneration and Nomination Committee
• Advise the board on HR-related matters and strategic initiatives
• Collaborate with the CEO and board where required to align HR strategies with overall business objectives

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
• Experience in an HR management role, preferably within the telecommunications industry
• Strong knowledge of Australian labor laws and industrial relations
• Demonstrable experience in recruitment and employee relations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior management and the board
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Payroll experience desirable but not mandatory