Human Resources Manager, Bathurst, NSW

Are you an experienced HR Manager looking to broaden your horizons? Then consider this diverse Human Resources role based in Bathurst NSW.

Position Overview

Position Title:                 Leader: Human Resources, Risk & WHS

Reports to:                     Executive Director of Schools

Team Membership:          Stewardship Team, CEO Leadership Team

Introduction

The Education System of the Diocese of Bathurst is undergoing significant transformation to offer higher levels of centralised support and subject matter expertise to the 33 Catholic schools which are geographically disbursed across Diocese of Bathurst footprint in Regional NSW.

This role exists to provide leadership and management of Human Resources, Risk and WHS across the system of schools. In collaboration with the Leader of Finance, Strategy and Operations, the role gives joint leadership to the Stewardship Team within the Catholic Education Office.

Key Areas of Accountability

1. To actively promote the Vision and Mission of Catholic education in the Diocese

2. To provide leadership to the Human Resources of the System of Schools by ensuring effective management of all Human Resources areas

3. To provide leadership and management in the areas of Risk and WHS

4. To support the Executive Director of Schools and Principals in the area of legal compliance and advice

5. To give effective leadership to the CEO office management and administration systems

Areas of Focus in First 12 Months

In addition to taking responsibility for the accountabilities noted above, the successful person will have the following areas of focus:

• With a ‘fresh set of eyes’ review and recommend further improvements to HR policies and procedures, especially in relation to recruitment & selection as well as contract renewal.
• Depending upon the person’s experience, it is likely they will need to develop an understanding of aspects of this role not normally associated with a traditional HR role – Child Protection, Risk Management & WHS.

Team Structure

This position is responsible to the Executive Director of Schools and will work in collaboration with the Leader: Finance, Strategy and Operations to provide joint leadership of the Stewardship Team within the CEO.

The position has direct management of 3 reports:

• Manager Employee Services
• Schools Facilities Officer (WHS)
• Education Officer (Teacher accreditation & professional standards)

Commencement

After 7 years in this role the current Leader will retire on 1 July 2016. The CEO will negotiate the commencement date with the successful applicant.

Location

The Catholic Education Office is located in Bathurst: in Gilmour Street Kelso.

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Bathurst

The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW extending from Bathurst, south to Oberon and Cowra, north to Coonamble; and west to Cowra and Eugowra; with major rural centres including Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo. Bishop Michael McKenna was installed as Eighth Bishop of Bathurst in June 2009.

The Diocese of Bathurst provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools.  The Catholic Education Office Bathurst (the CEO) was established in 1973 to administer the system of schools throughout the diocese. The Executive Director of Schools is Mrs Jenny Allen, appointed to the role in February 2012.

Employing more than 1,200 staff, the CEO provides support to over 9,200 students in 33 schools: 26 primary, 2 (K – 12), 1 (K- 10) and 4 secondary schools.  In partnership with parents and parishes, their schools are committed to fostering Gospel values, academic excellence and life-long service in a faith-centred community.

Further Information

Additional information on the CEO can be viewed on their website located at http://www.bth.catholic.edu.au/

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package, comprising salary, fully maintained vehicle and superannuation, will be discussed with the successful applicant.
• In addition to the usual 4 weeks of annual leave, an additional 8 days ex gratia leave is provided in recognition of out-of-hours work associated with this senior role
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 4 years and, subject to a satisfactory performance review, renewed for an additional 4 years.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant
• In accordance with Child Protection Legislation, the successful applicant will require a ‘Working With Children’ clearance prior to employment. Please visit kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au to obtain further information on this requirement.

Selection Criteria

We anticipate that people interested in this role will be able to demonstrate:

• A willingness to support the values and ethos of the Catholic tradition in the workplace
• Senior level HR experience in a sizable organisation, with the skills to lead a team in supporting the Vision & Mission for Catholic education in the Diocese of Bathurst
• The desire and capacity to take ownership of responsibilities outside the scope of a traditional HR role
• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Strength, energy & resilience to initiate, drive and evaluate organisational change
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and a record of continuing professional development, with membership of AHRI desirable.

Despite this role having responsibility for Child Protection, WHS & Risk Management, such experience, while desirable, is not essential providing applicants have the (a) desire; and (b) capacity to learn and take ownership of these responsibilities.

Are You the Right Person for This Challenge? Interested?

If you are interested in this role, there are two options to proceed:

1. If interested, but have questions requiring a response before deciding whether to progress, then either
   • telephone our Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or
   • email our office at mail@traksearch.com or from this website with your questions.
2. If and when you have enough information to start this process, (remembering that we also provide a range of additional information as you progress), then simply email us from this page on our website or at mail@traksearch.com stating your interest and nominating the role and ref number TS1329; and attach your resume.

At this stage we do NOT ask for you to labour over selection criteria; provide a cover letter; or an application document – just a one-line email to Trak Search to indicate your interest in ‘CEO Bathurst HRM TS1329’ with your resume attached. The timeline and details for this project are outlined below.

The Selection Process

Key dates are 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 confidential discussions and to provide information to allow you to explore this opportunity and determine your interest in the role.
• A range of additional information will be provided to you as we progress through this process.
• At the outset you will not be required to: complete an application form; provide a lengthy, comprehensive document to address the selection criteria; or provide any referee details. However, you will be invited to supply us with additional information (verbally and in writing) as you progress through the process.
• A late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule. Please be aware however that any application received after close of business on the date noted above is more likely to be returned to you.
• At the appropriate time (refer above) we will seek written consent to speak with referees – listing referees on your resume does not signify consent.
• We expect to contact one work related referee prior to short listing, with additional references completed later in the process.  You should always expect that prior to reaching the final stage of the project, we will ask to speak with at least one person who has: directly managed you; recently; and for a significant time period.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to short listing, in confidence, to the Executive Director unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.

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.