Job Description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position

The HR Operations Manager is located in the Human Resources (HR) Section within the European Regional Services Delivery Hub in London, which is responsible for delivering a wide range of HR programs and client service functions to a broad clientele across the European region. 

The HR Operations Manager, under the direction of the Head of Human Resources, is responsible for the line management of a small team focused on delivery of various HR services in accordance with service delivery standards. This position provides practical and operational HR support to a broad range of stakeholders to ensure achievement of organisational goals within the European region.  

 The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Supervision and performance management of small team of HR staff
• Ensuring effective delivery of HR services to relevant stakeholders across the European region, including:
  • Managing the recruitment program
  • On-boarding and induction services
  • Contract and probation management, including oversight of right to work documentation, certificates of sponsorship and ensuring compliance regarding tax declarations
  • Overseeing the performance management procedures including monitoring compliance and delivering training
  • Delivery of an effective learning and development program
  • Management of staff engagement strategies, well-being activities and other work health and safety programs
  • Employee separation management, including exit interviews  
  • HR records management in accordance with policy.
• Monitoring and reporting service delivery standards in accordance with the European Regional Services Delivery Hub Catalogue
• Delivery of service improvements and efficiencies in line with the organisation’s strategic HR objectives
• Management of moderate to complex organisational change projects
• Provide policy advice aligned with Australian High Commission policy, local legislation, and best practice
• Conduct investigations and consultation meetings on a variety of employee relations matters
• Monitor and audit internal HR systems and databases, including the Overseas Staffing Profile (OSP), SAP, and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) for accuracy and process compliance
• Gather, analyse, and report HR metrics including learning and development, employee engagement and retention, talent acquisition, workforce planning and diversity data
• Procurement of external HR services, relationship management and monitoring of providers against agreed performance standards; contracts include:
  • Agency recruitment preferred supplier arrangements
  • E-recruitment services
  • Occupational health services
• Contribute to monitoring and analysis of changes in local employment legislation affecting LES, including applicable Commonwealth policies, and prepare responses on the implications of such changes for the Australian High Commission
• Working alongside HR colleagues to provide back-up for the Payroll & Benefits Manager, including the preparation and processing of in-house and outsourced payrolls.

 Qualifications/Experience

Essential:

• Extensive generalist HR experience at managerial level
• MCIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development – HR Management Qualification), or equivalent qualifications or professional experience
• Proven experience in leading and developing a customer focussed team
• Sound knowledge of UK employment legislation
• Project management skills
• Experience delivering training and development coaching, both to a HR team and line managers
• Proficiency in SAP HR, or an equivalent human resource management information system, and Microsoft Office suite is desirable.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below.  In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.

The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.

 A. Proven generalist HR skills, including delivery of recruitment & selection, induction, performance management and training and development.  CIPD qualified (or equivalent) alongside corresponding practical experience at the required level. 

 B. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, responding to the needs of clients, managing expectations, and delivering high quality HR support with a customer service focus.

 C. Experience performing a quality assurance role and reporting against agreed service standards and KPIs.  Recommending and implementing service improvements and efficiencies in line with organisational strategic objectives. 

 D. Demonstrable and relevant experience managing employee relations matters, including under-performance, absence management issues and resolving interpersonal conflict.

 E.  Proven line management skills and experience, including the ability to performance manage and develop staff to achieve organisational objectives.

 F.  High level of proficiency in the use of human resource management information systems (HRMIS) to manage human resource information.  Ability to interrogate internal HR systems and databases, reporting and analysing HR metrics.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region.  To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to 

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. xbpsjku We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.