Head: Human Resources, Risk and WH&S – Catholic Education, Bathurst NSW

Are you looking for a career plus lifestyle?

The Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW extending from Bathurst, south to Oberon and Cowra; north to Coonamble; and west to Eugowra; with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee and Lithgow.

Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools. CEDB provides support to 33 school communities comprising: 26 primary schools; 1 K-10 school; 2 K-12 schools; and 4 secondary colleges.

With approximately 9,300 students and employing more than 1000 staff, the schools are supported by 60 staff located in two offices: the main office in Bathurst (Kelso) and a regional office in Dubbo.

Living in Bathurst

With a growing population of more than 40,000, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland city and the perfect place for a tree change. It is less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, with great facilities, an affordable lifestyle, and a thriving social scene. This is all wrapped up among the city’s heritage buildings and rich history.

Bathurst is a regional education centre with many schools and a University (CSU). You’ll find everything you need in a city, including a state-of-the-art public hospital.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CEDB website located at https://www.bth.catholic.edu.au/Home

Position Overview

Position Title: Head: Human Resources, Risk & WH&S

Reports to: Executive Director of Schools

Position Purpose

The role exists to provide leadership and management of Human Resources, including Child Safeguarding, Risk and WHS, across the system of schools and within the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB).

Key Areas of Accountability

• Actively promote the Vision and Mission of Catholic education in the Diocese.
• Provide effective leadership and management of all Human Resources for the System of schools.
• Diocesan Responsibility for Child Safeguarding and WHS.
• Support the Executive Director of Schools and Principals in the area of legal compliance and advice.
• Give effective leadership to the CEDB office management and administration systems.
• Represent the diocese in appropriate professional forums, such as the Heads of HR, CER, CSNSW meetings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with all diocesan agencies and external organisations, business partners and stakeholders eg CER, CCI.
• Manage the budget of the HR, Risk and WH&S team.
• Participation in the CEDB leadership team.

A full position description will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Key Relationships

The role reports to the Executive Director of Schools and leads a team of 10 people. The position is a member of the CEDB leadership team.

The role also works closely with:

• School Principals and school leadership teams;
• Parish priests and Diocesan Chancery;
• other Catholic agencies in the Diocese of Bathurst;
• various Catholic educational forums within NSW.

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Location and Travel

The CEDB office is located in Gilmour Street, Kelso. Kelso is a suburb of Bathurst; and is a 5-minute drive to the Bathurst CBD.

The nature of this role will require regular travel within the Diocese and to Sydney.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A fully maintained motor vehicle is provided for work-related purposes.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, renewed for an additional period. There is a standard 6-month probationary period.
• Flexibility of working arrangements could be considered/negotiated.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful (as adjudged by CEDB) National Criminal History Check.
• Applicants will require a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• Capacity and willingness to work within the ethos of the Catholic Church and the Mission for Catholic education.
• An experienced, senior level HR manager.
• This experience will be evidenced by:
  • managed a sizable team;
  • having developed skills and capacity of others;
  • the ability to operate at the strategic and operational/hands-on level;
  • keeping up-to-date with legislation and its impact on an organisation;
  • confidence in presenting to an audience.
• A highly relational style with the ability to connect and collaborate with a diverse range people.
• Able to demonstrate a desire for continuing professional development and ongoing learning; combined with appropriate degree qualifications.

We are not seeking a person who is experienced in all aspects of this role. Providing you have a broadly based HR career; then we are open to people with the desire and preparedness to learn and take leadership of the wider aspects of this diverse portfolio.

Are You Interested in this Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1465. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) telephone number.

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the CEDB schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• CEDB will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to Executive Director of Schools or her nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents. We are committed to adapting our recruitment processes to accommodate neurodiverse candidates; or people with different physical abilities.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.