Lead AFAC's end-to-end People and Culture function and shape the future of our organisation.
Autonomous leadership role with the opportunity to influence strategy, culture, workforce capability and organisational performance.
Flexible hybrid working environment and the opportunity to help shape the role to suit the strengths of the right candidate.
Join us as we relocate to a brand-new office opposite Flagstaff Gardens, with excellent transport connections, end-of-trip facilities and wellness amenities including onsite Pilates.
About AFAC
AFAC is Australia and New Zealand's National Council for fire and emergency services, representing 36 member organisations and more than 288,000 firefighters and emergency services personnel.
AFAC exists to strengthen the collective capability and capacity of emergency management agencies, helping members work together to achieve better outcomes for the sector and the communities they serve.
Our work spans a broad range of nationally significant activities including professional services, aviation contract management, cross-border emergency deployments, national doctrine and capability initiatives, the AFAC Conference and Exhibition, and management of the National Emergency Services Memorial.
As a member-focused organisation, we are committed to enabling collaboration, sharing knowledge and supporting workforce capability across Australia and New Zealand's emergency management sector.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced People and Culture professional to lead AFAC's end-to-end People and Culture function.
Reporting to the Director – People, Strategy and Performance, and managing an HR Advisor, this role provides both strategic leadership and operational delivery across all aspects of the employee lifecycle. You will partner closely with leaders and employees to shape workforce strategy, strengthen organisational capability, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and ensure our people practices support a high-performing organisation.
With approximately 75 employees, AFAC offers the opportunity to have visibility across the entire employee lifecycle and make a tangible impact on organisational culture, employee experience and organisational performance.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across the full spectrum of People and Culture. You'll bring the strategic capability to advise leaders, influence organisational direction and lead workforce and culture initiatives, while also being willing to roll up your sleeves and deliver the operational work that comes with working in a smaller organisation when required.
The role also contributes to workforce-related initiatives across the emergency management sector, providing opportunities to collaborate with AFAC member agencies,



industry partners and stakeholders on projects that support workforce capability, leadership and inclusion.
As our People and Culture Manager, you will:
Lead and deliver AFAC's end-to-end People and Culture function
Act as AFAC's senior People and Culture adviser, providing strategic guidance to leaders while ensuring high-quality operational delivery.
Provide practical, responsive and trusted advice and support to leaders and employees across a broad range of people matters.
Lead workforce planning, organisational development, succession planning, learning and development, and talent management initiatives that strengthen organisational capability and support AFAC's strategic priorities.
Partner with leaders to build a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
Deliver leadership development, organisational development and change initiatives that strengthen individual, team and organisational effectiveness.
Manage employee relations matters, workplace investigations, performance management processes, policy development and employment-related compliance.
Ensure AFAC's people practices are fair, consistent, compliant and aligned with contemporary workplace standards.
Oversee people systems, workforce reporting and HR processes to support effective and efficient people operations.
Use workforce data and insights to support decision-making, identify trends and improve employee and organisational outcomes.
Collaborate with member agencies, industry partners and stakeholders on workforce initiatives that support capability, leadership and inclusion across the emergency management sector.
About You
You are an experienced and values-driven People and Culture professional who enjoys building strong relationships, influencing leaders and making a genuine impact.
Importantly, you understand how to balance strategic leadership with practical delivery. You're comfortable operating autonomously, taking ownership of the entire People and Culture portfolio and working closely with leaders to achieve organisational outcomes.
You will bring:
Demonstrated experience leading an end-to-end People and Culture or Human Resources function.
Strong People and Culture leadership capability, with the ability to influence strategy, shape organisational direction and deliver practical people outcomes.




Proven ability to move comfortably between strategic leadership and operational delivery in a hands-on environment.
Experience operating as a stand-alone People and Culture practitioner or within a small People and Culture team.
Strong expertise across recruitment, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, organisational development and people operations.
Experience partnering with leaders to strengthen organisational capability, culture and employee performance.
Sound knowledge of Australian employment legislation and contemporary People and Culture practices.
Experience managing workplace investigations, employee relations matters, compliance obligations and people governance frameworks.
Experience using workforce data and insights to support decision-making, continuous improvement and organisational performance.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Organisational Development, Psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
About Our Culture
AFAC is a purpose-driven organisation that exists to support fire and emergency services agencies across Australia and New Zealand.
We are collaborative, inclusive and passionate about creating value for our members and the communities they serve. Our values of respect, communication, results and teamwork guide how we work together every day.
We recognise that people do their best work when they are trusted and supported. That's why we offer a versatile hybrid working environment that balances the benefits of in-person connection, collaboration and culture with flexibility for individual circumstances. While we value regular face-to-face interaction and teamwork, we also support flexible working arrangements that enable people to perform at their best.
We're open to discussing how this role may be tailored to align with the strengths, experience and aspirations of the successful candidate.
We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to contribute their best.
Remuneration
AFAC offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and capability, together with excellent workplace flexibility and professional development opportunities.
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
What's your expected annual base salary?
How many years' experience do you have as a People and Culture Manager?
How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
What can I earn as a People and Culture Manager
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 People And Culture Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council
📍 Melbourne