People & Culture Manager

Description

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At We Are Social, people are our strongest asset. As a leading global socially-led creative agency, we thrive on creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We believe in fostering an inclusive and positive work culture, and we need someone exceptional to champion our people and drive our culture forward.

As People & Culture Manager, you'll be at the forefront of managing the needs of our people and culture. Your responsibilities will encompass developing initiatives to attract and retain top-tier talent, all while cultivating a high-performance culture that aligns with our values.

The ideal candidate will thrive on creating a positive atmosphere, instilling a sense of pride and togetherness within the team. Some key attributes that we look for are adaptability to a fast-paced environment, proactiveness and resilience. And ultimately, with a creative eye and a knack for understanding what motivates people, you’ll set the stage for success in generating Ideas Worth Talking About.

Key duties include:

HR Strategy & Operations

• Set and deliver the People & Culture strategy for Australia, in alignment with global priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on workforce planning, culture and people decisions.
• Oversee HR operations, ensuring contracts, compliance, right-to-work checks, and benefits are accurate and up to date.
• Manage HR systems and tools, ensuring data integrity and efficiency.
• Provide guidance on policies, employee relations, and performance management issues, handling sensitive matters with confidentiality and care.
• Analyse HR data (e.g. exit interviews, engagement metrics) to provide insights that inform strategy and improve retention.

Employee Relations, Policy & Procedures

• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and performance management issues, ensuring fair and consistent application.
• Act as a trusted advisor for employee relations matters, handling sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Develop, update, and communicate HR policies to ensure compliance and alignment with company values.
• Support managers and employees in fostering a high-performance culture and resolving workplace challenges proactively.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, from sourcing to onboarding
• Deliver a smooth, engaging onboarding experience
• Develop creative strategies to build our employer brand
• Develop and manage internship programs

Culture Leadership

• Nurture and enhance our unique workplace culture, ensuring it remains vibrant, inclusive, and aligned with our values
• Lead initiatives that promote engagement, collaboration and inclusion (e.g. team building, mentoring, buddy programs)

Training & Development

• Work closely with department heads to identify training and development needs.
• Implement programs that support professional growth and skill enhancement, fostering a culture of continuous learning
• Develop and maintain We Are Social’s training calendar, including both technical training, knowledge-sharing sessions, and soft skill training

Performance Management

• Support department heads in implementing performance management process
• Provide guidance on goal setting, feedback, and career development, contributing to a high-performance culture
• Provide HR support around performance management issues
• Act as a trusted advisor to employees and management, handling confidential matters with sensitivity and diplomacy
• Proactively address any concerns and maintain a positive work environment

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Drive initiatives that promote DE&I across all aspects of our organisation
• Ensure a fair and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard

JOB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in HR, business or similar
• At least 5 years experience in HR or People & Culture Manager or similar role in an advertising agency or similar fast-paced creative environment
• In-depth knowledge of AES/Australian HR policies and best practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural initiatives and engage employees
• Experience in talent acquisition and onboarding processes
• Understanding of performance management and employee development strategies
• Passion for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace