Job Description
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Position title Unit Manager, Human Resources
Position number 1017
Classification (Level) Level 8
Department Office of CEO
Division People and Culture
Business unit Human Resources
People Leader Executive Manager, People and Culture
Direct reports People & Culture Partners, Talent Acquisition Partner, People
& Culture Coordinator, Gap Year Team Members
Key stakeholders Senior Leadership Team, Leadership Team, Unions and employee representatives, External HR and IR advisory bodies
Community Vision: A liveable, sustainable community.
The strategic directions of Liveable, Sustainable, and Community reflect the aspirations of
the community for the City of Marion’s future.
A fourth strategic direction, Our Organisation, sets the focus for Council and its staff toward
fulfilling the 2024-2034 Community Vision and Strategic Directions. These interconnected
directions emphasise a commitment to achieving holistic outcomes for the council area
City of Marion Values
Our Values inform what is important in how we deliver for our community.
They aspire towards a consistent standard that can be expected from all who engage with
the City of Marion.
Together we… Our Community Vision
Focus on the customer | We are:
Engaged with our diverse community
Responsive and proactive
Dedicated to delivering great customer
experiences
Engage with respect | We are:
Committed to a safe and inclusive workplace
Connected, caring and professional
Honest, transparent and act with integrity
Embrace excellence | We are:
• Adaptable, driven and continuously improve
Accountable for our decisions and actions
Proactive in sustainability and support the
environment
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Purpose
The Unit Manager, Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational
oversight of the Human Resources function at the City of Marion. The role leads the delivery
of contemporary people management, employee relations, and industrial relations services
that support organisational capability, workforce sustainability, and positive workplace
culture.
Working closely with the Executive Manager, People & Culture and organisational leaders,
this role partners across the organisation to provide expert guidance, strengthen leadership
capability, and deliver practical workforce solutions. The Unit Manager fosters a
collaborative and customer-focused HR service model that enables leaders and teams to
achieve high performance while supporting the City of Marion’s strategic objectives and
community vision
Key Deliverables
1. Lead and Deliver Strategic HR Initiatives
Develop and implement strategic human resource initiatives aligned with Council’s
organisational strategy, workforce planning priorities, and people capability objectives.
2. Lead a High-Performing HR Team
Provide effective leadership, coaching and development to HR team members to foster
collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Ensure the team delivers responsive
and high-quality HR advisory services.
3. Deliver a Partnering HR Service Model
Provide expert HR, ER and IR advice and solutions to people leaders across the organisation,
building capability and confidence in managing workforce issues.
4. Manage Industrial and Employee Relations Matters
Lead complex employee relations and industrial relations matters, including enterprise
bargaining, dispute resolution, and representation of Council in industrial forums where
required.
5. Strengthen Leadership Capability
Support leaders to effectively manage performance, behaviour, and workforce planning
through coaching, tools, and capability-building initiatives.
6. Drive Organisational Development and Workforce Initiatives
Partner with leaders to design and implement programs that support organisational change,
workforce planning, learning and development, and employee engagement.
7. Deliver Recruitment and Workforce Planning Outcomes
Oversee recruitment, selection and onboarding processes, ensuring workforce needs are
met through effective talent acquisition and workforce planning strategies.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
8. Ensure Compliance and Best Practice Governance
Ensure HR practices, policies and processes align with relevant legislation, awards,
enterprise agreements and Council governance frameworks.
9. Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships
Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal leaders, external partners, unions,
and relevant industry bodies to support collaborative and constructive workforce outcomes.
10. Support Rehabilitation and Workforce Wellbeing
Collaborate with WHS and leaders to support effective vocational rehabilitation and injury
management processes for employees.
11. Lead HR Projects and Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to enhance HR systems, processes and programs, driving innovation,
efficiency and improved service delivery across the organisation.
12. Deliver Effective Governance and Reporting
Prepare reports, briefings and workforce insights that support informed decision-making by
senior leaders and Council.
Person Specification
Essential criteria
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations,
Organisational Development or a related discipline.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing HR teams in a
complex organisational environment.
Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial relations frameworks, awards
and enterprise agreements.
Proven experience delivering HR partnering services and supporting leaders in
managing people-related matters.
Experience in enterprise bargaining, industrial negotiations and complex employee
relations matters.
Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change initiatives and workforce
development programs.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability across
multiple organisational levels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to develop practical
workforce solutions.
Sound financial understanding including experience managing operational budgets.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Well-developed written communication skills including report writing and policy
development.
Willingness and ability to continuously develop leadership capability consistent with
the CoM Leadership Capabilities.
Desirable criteria
Postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management, Organisational
Development, Industrial Relations or related field.
Experience working within local government or the public sector.
Experience delivering HR business partnering services in complex organisational
environments.
Experience leading strategic workforce planning or organisational development
initiatives.
Standard conditions
Satisfactory completion of a National Police Clearance (will be arranged by the City of
Marion)
Satisfactory completion of applicable Medical Assessment (will be arranged by the
City of Marion)
Must be either an Australian resident or possess the legal right to work in Australia,
with the ability to provide documentation of a valid work visa.
Comply with existing Work, Health and Safety legislation and regulation obligations
and apply “Think Safe Live Well” philosophy.
Remain familiar with, and actively drive compliance with, all Work, Health, and Safety
(WHS) legislation and regulations, Code of Practice for Self-Insurers and City of
Marion Policies and Procedures.
Embrace ethical and moral behavior and report any suspected instances of fraud
and/or corruption in accordance with Fraud and Corruption Management and the
Code of Conduct.
Adhere to the City of Marion Values.
The incumbent will perform other duties as required.
Other conditions specific to the role
• Must hold a valid, full (unrestricted) driver's license in accordance with South Australian
requirements.
• Some out of hours work including weekend and evenings may be required.
Attendance at Council meetings (after hours) may be required.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Position description confirmation and acknowledgement
New employee acknowledgement
By signing the ‘City of Marion Employment Acceptance Statement’ in your Letter of Offer, you
are agreeing to the Position Description attached to your Offer.
Employee name: Signature: Date:
Leader name: Signature: Date:
HR name: Signature: Date:
A great place to work
March 2026
Position title Unit Manager, Human Resources
Position number 1017
Classification (Level) Level 8
Department Office of CEO
Division People and Culture
Business unit Human Resources
People Leader Executive Manager, People and Culture
Direct reports People & Culture Partners, Talent Acquisition Partner, People
& Culture Coordinator, Gap Year Team Members
Key stakeholders Senior Leadership Team, Leadership Team, Unions and employee representatives, External HR and IR advisory bodies
Community Vision: A liveable, sustainable community.
The strategic directions of Liveable, Sustainable, and Community reflect the aspirations of
the community for the City of Marion’s future.
A fourth strategic direction, Our Organisation, sets the focus for Council and its staff toward
fulfilling the 2024-2034 Community Vision and Strategic Directions. These interconnected
directions emphasise a commitment to achieving holistic outcomes for the council area
City of Marion Values
Our Values inform what is important in how we deliver for our community.
They aspire towards a consistent standard that can be expected from all who engage with
the City of Marion.
Together we… Our Community Vision
Focus on the customer | We are:
Engaged with our diverse community
Responsive and proactive
Dedicated to delivering great customer
experiences
Engage with respect | We are:
Committed to a safe and inclusive workplace
Connected, caring and professional
Honest, transparent and act with integrity
Embrace excellence | We are:
• Adaptable, driven and continuously improve
Accountable for our decisions and actions
Proactive in sustainability and support the
environment
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Purpose
The Unit Manager, Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational
oversight of the Human Resources function at the City of Marion. The role leads the delivery
of contemporary people management, employee relations, and industrial relations services
that support organisational capability, workforce sustainability, and positive workplace
culture.
Working closely with the Executive Manager, People & Culture and organisational leaders,
this role partners across the organisation to provide expert guidance, strengthen leadership
capability, and deliver practical workforce solutions. The Unit Manager fosters a
collaborative and customer-focused HR service model that enables leaders and teams to
achieve high performance while supporting the City of Marion’s strategic objectives and
community vision
Key Deliverables
1. Lead and Deliver Strategic HR Initiatives
Develop and implement strategic human resource initiatives aligned with Council’s
organisational strategy, workforce planning priorities, and people capability objectives.
2. Lead a High-Performing HR Team
Provide effective leadership, coaching and development to HR team members to foster
collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Ensure the team delivers responsive
and high-quality HR advisory services.
3. Deliver a Partnering HR Service Model
Provide expert HR, ER and IR advice and solutions to people leaders across the organisation,
building capability and confidence in managing workforce issues.
4. Manage Industrial and Employee Relations Matters
Lead complex employee relations and industrial relations matters, including enterprise
bargaining, dispute resolution, and representation of Council in industrial forums where
required.
5. Strengthen Leadership Capability
Support leaders to effectively manage performance, behaviour, and workforce planning
through coaching, tools, and capability-building initiatives.
6. Drive Organisational Development and Workforce Initiatives
Partner with leaders to design and implement programs that support organisational change,
workforce planning, learning and development, and employee engagement.
7. Deliver Recruitment and Workforce Planning Outcomes
Oversee recruitment, selection and onboarding processes, ensuring workforce needs are
met through effective talent acquisition and workforce planning strategies.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
8. Ensure Compliance and Best Practice Governance
Ensure HR practices, policies and processes align with relevant legislation, awards,
enterprise agreements and Council governance frameworks.
9. Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships
Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal leaders, external partners, unions,
and relevant industry bodies to support collaborative and constructive workforce outcomes.
10. Support Rehabilitation and Workforce Wellbeing
Collaborate with WHS and leaders to support effective vocational rehabilitation and injury
management processes for employees.
11. Lead HR Projects and Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to enhance HR systems, processes and programs, driving innovation,
efficiency and improved service delivery across the organisation.
12. Deliver Effective Governance and Reporting
Prepare reports, briefings and workforce insights that support informed decision-making by
senior leaders and Council.
Person Specification
Essential criteria
Tertiary qualifications in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations,
Organisational Development or a related discipline.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing HR teams in a
complex organisational environment.
Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial relations frameworks, awards
and enterprise agreements.
Proven experience delivering HR partnering services and supporting leaders in
managing people-related matters.
Experience in enterprise bargaining, industrial negotiations and complex employee
relations matters.
Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change initiatives and workforce
development programs.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability across
multiple organisational levels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to develop practical
workforce solutions.
Sound financial understanding including experience managing operational budgets.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Well-developed written communication skills including report writing and policy
development.
Willingness and ability to continuously develop leadership capability consistent with
the CoM Leadership Capabilities.
Desirable criteria
Postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management, Organisational
Development, Industrial Relations or related field.
Experience working within local government or the public sector.
Experience delivering HR business partnering services in complex organisational
environments.
Experience leading strategic workforce planning or organisational development
initiatives.
Standard conditions
Satisfactory completion of a National Police Clearance (will be arranged by the City of
Marion)
Satisfactory completion of applicable Medical Assessment (will be arranged by the
City of Marion)
Must be either an Australian resident or possess the legal right to work in Australia,
with the ability to provide documentation of a valid work visa.
Comply with existing Work, Health and Safety legislation and regulation obligations
and apply “Think Safe Live Well” philosophy.
Remain familiar with, and actively drive compliance with, all Work, Health, and Safety
(WHS) legislation and regulations, Code of Practice for Self-Insurers and City of
Marion Policies and Procedures.
Embrace ethical and moral behavior and report any suspected instances of fraud
and/or corruption in accordance with Fraud and Corruption Management and the
Code of Conduct.
Adhere to the City of Marion Values.
The incumbent will perform other duties as required.
Other conditions specific to the role
• Must hold a valid, full (unrestricted) driver's license in accordance with South Australian
requirements.
• Some out of hours work including weekend and evenings may be required.
Attendance at Council meetings (after hours) may be required.
A great place to work
Position Description – Unit Manager, Human Resources
March 2026
Position description confirmation and acknowledgement
New employee acknowledgement
By signing the ‘City of Marion Employment Acceptance Statement’ in your Letter of Offer, you
are agreeing to the Position Description attached to your Offer.
Employee name: Signature: Date:
Leader name: Signature: Date:
HR name: Signature: Date:
A great place to work
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Unit Manager Human Resources (2506) position is now open for candidates interested in the BPO Jobs sector. This role in Adelaide offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in BPO Jobs is a plus.
