Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources
Tatachilla Lutheran College - McLaren Vale

Location: MCLAREN VALE, SA

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 15 June 2026

We are seeking an inspiring and capable professional to join us as Head of Human Resources. This is a permanent position with 6 weeks annual leave.

Location: Tatachilla Lutheran College, McLaren Vale, SA

Position: Head of Human Resources

Start Date: July 2026

Employment Type: Permanent 0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Tatachilla Lutheran College is a leading R-12 co-educational Christian school in the heart of the stunning McLaren Vale wine region. Minutes from the captivating beaches and alluring hinterland of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Tatachilla Lutheran College is set on 26 hectares of world-class rural beauty.

At Tatachilla, we live and learn by our college values statement: believe, become, belong. This means that our students are nourished in an environment that upholds faith, ambition, courage, kinship, compassion and the creation of lasting relationships through shared experiences.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and elevate our human resource strategy and practice. Reporting to the Principal, this key role will shape the people experience across the College by designing and implementing progressive policies, systems, and processes in relation to HR.

As the Head of Human Resources, you will play a critical advisory role to both the Principal and Business Director, providing expert guidance on all aspects of human resource management. Your strategic input will help drive organisational excellence and ensure we attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent at the College.

You'll be supported by dedicated administrative assistance and will provide regular reporting and insights to the Executive team.

This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a values-driven educational environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Workforce planning, HR documentation, and compliance
• End-to-end recruitment and retention strategies
• Professional and leadership development, including succession planning
• Workplace health and safety
• Employee relations and performance management
• HR data analysis and reporting

ABOUT YOU:

We’re seeking an inspiring and capable professional to join us as Head of Human Resources. To thrive in this role, you will bring a strong combination of professional and operational expertise, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to fostering a positive, faith-based workplace culture.

You will demonstrate:

• A visionary approach to Human Resource Management, with the ability to translate strategy into meaningful outcomes within a complex organisational setting.
• Proven leadership capability, with experience developing and leading staff through change within diverse organisations.
• A high level of strategic and operational HR knowledge, including experience in recruitment, retention, professional development, employee relations, and policy development.
• Strong communication, facilitation and dispute resolution skills, with the ability to mentor, coach, and support others effectively.
• Well-developed organisational and administrative skills, including the capacity to manage multiple priorities with initiative and self-motivation.
• A high degree of professional and personal integrity, especially in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Significant practical knowledge and experience with HR information systems and database software.
• A deep understanding of current and emerging HR trends, particularly in the education sector.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Formal tertiary qualifications in Human Resource Management or a related discipline.
• A current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
• A valid Responding to Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN-EC) certificate.
• A current Protective Practices certificate.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Previous experience working within an educational setting.
• Certification as a Return to Work Coordinator.

Above all, you will be someone who can actively demonstrate and promote the Christian ethos of Tatachilla Lutheran College, and who seeks opportunities for both spiritual and professional growth. You will be expected to lead by example, setting exemplary standards of dress, behaviour, and integrity at all times.

Detailed responsibilities of the role including the selection criteria is contained in the job and person specification, available via our website: https://www.tatachilla.sa.edu.au/careers-at-tatachilla/employment-vacancies

Application Instructions

1. Write a cover letter of up to two pages, addressing the selection criteria;
2. Include a curriculum vitae; and
3. List three referees, one being a pastoral referee.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

Applications should be addressed to the Principal, Tatachilla Lutheran College and sent electronically to the Principal’s Executive Assistant: ***************@tatachilla.sa.edu.au

Applications close 9am, Monday 15 June 2026