Director - People and Culture

The Director – People and Culture is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for leading Human Resources, WHS and Employee Relations. As a trusted advisor to the workforce, the incumbent provides leadership, primary support and advice for all aspects of the employee life cycle and work environment. The role provides strategic advice to the CEO and the Board’s HR and Remuneration Committee to drive the achievement of QSO’s vision and goals. The Director has 1 HR Advisor as a direct report and the role offers a unique blend of strategic and operational responsibilities in support of the orchestra.

The role is responsible for:

• Human Resources functions and activities across the Employee Life Cycle 

• WHS leadership 

• Employee Relations  

• Learning and Professional Development

About QSO

Queensland Symphony Orchestra is sought out and admired for the refreshingly real, Queensland touch we bring to Australia’s arts and entertainment sector. We boldly deliver immensely entertaining and diverse performances for our audiences. Driven by a team of professional, passionate and talented individuals, we work hard both on and off the stage, to create extraordinary experiences that bring people together, sharing in a sense of wonderment and excitement.

Working with the best to consistently deliver quality and value every time, we create unique bonds with our audiences, partners and supporters, building long lasting connections as we go.   

As one of the largest performing arts companies in Queensland and the state’s only professional symphony orchestra, we play a vital role in Queensland’s cultural community. Our community and education programs provide entertaining, inspiring and educational experiences for children, students, and regional and remote communities across Queensland, setting a shining example that the orchestra is truly for everyone.  

What You'll Do

• Lead HR and WHS strategy, implementation and governance as part of the Senior Leadership Team and working collaboratively across other departments and teams.  

• Provide advice on organisational structure, policies and procedures and change management.  

• Participate in business planning and strategy development to ensure human resources strategies are aligned with corporate direction 

• Advise and coach all management levels in contemporary human resources practices including team leadership, workplace relations, and organisational design

• Initiate and implement organisational development activities including employee engagement and cultural development initiatives  

• Manage generalist human resources strategies, policies and processes including workforce planning, recruitment and selection, induction, onboarding and performance management 

• Lead WHS for the business team

• Manage Workcover responsibilities, Return to Work and related aspects including policies and procedures for the company   

• Support the Operations and Production teams in managing orchestra-related WHS management 

• Chair the WHS committee, including the Hearing Conservation Sub-Committee and lead the Hearing Conservation Strategy 

• Advise and deliver regular formal reports to the CEO, and the Board HR and Rem committee, on WHS and HR matters 

• Manage remuneration policy and processes  

• Lead mandatory business reporting for WGEA, Workcover and other government entities.  

• Lead all Employee Relations processes

• Deliver internal training on HR and WHS matters and manage the Professional Development processes and applications.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources Management, Business or related field   

• Return to work or workplace rehabilitation qualification  

• Experience in C-suite negotiations and collaboration to achieve organisational objectives through people  

• Demonstrated and extensive experience in delivering results in strategic and generalist human resources management and organisational development, change and workplace health and safety  

• Demonstrated experience in managing employee relations and enterprise agreements

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, relationship building and influencing skills

• Coaching, mediation, conflict resolution  

• Experience in managing a budget for a functional area within corporate guidelines  

• Capacity and willingness to work outside of normal business hours on a regular basis

• In addition to the above criteria, experience or an understanding of the Performing Arts industry will be an advantage.

Please submit an application via the SEEK website by 9am Monday 8 December 2025, including the following:

• A CV outlining your skills and experience

• A covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role

• Contact details for two references (one of whom should be your current supervisor)

Applications will be considered as they are received, and some interviews may be offered before the closing date.

No unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies will be accepted.

QSO is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a workplace that values the diversity of its employees and their backgrounds, and the contribution all people can make to a successful organisation. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and have a commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety in our workplace. We offer workplace flexibility, health and wellbeing programs and an Employee Assistance Program for our employees.