HR Coordinator

Permanent Full-Time | Southpaws Specialty, Emergency & Referral Hospital | Melbourne

Help shape an exceptional employee experience.

At Southpaws, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As one of Australia's leading specialist and emergency veterinary hospitals, we're passionate about delivering outstanding care for pets while creating an environment where our teams can thrive.

We're looking for an experienced and proactive HR Coordinator to lead our on-site People & Culture function. Working closely with the Business Manager, Operations Manager, Department Leaders and the VetPartners People & Culture team, you'll play a key role in attracting, developing and supporting our people while fostering a positive, engaged and high-performing workplace.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety, building strong relationships and making a genuine impact across the entire employee lifecycle.

About the Role

As the HR Coordinator, you'll be the trusted on-site People & Culture partner for our hospital, providing hands-on support across recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, leadership support, compliance, culture and engagement.

You'll balance day-to-day operational HR activities with continuous improvement initiatives, helping leaders build capability while ensuring our people processes are compliant, efficient and focused on delivering an exceptional employee experience.

You'll make an impact by:

• Coordinating recruitment activities in partnership with VetPartners Talent Acquisition team

• Supporting workforce planning and talent attraction initiatives to help build high-performing teams

• Delivering an engaging onboarding experience, coordinating inductions, probation reviews and employee lifecycle activities

• Acting as the first point of contact for day-to-day HR enquiries, providing practical advice and partnering with the VetPartners People & Culture team on more complex matters

• Supporting leaders with performance management, employee relations, investigations and performance improvement processes

• Maintaining accurate HR records, employment documentation, compliance requirements and workforce reporting

• Coordinating WorkCover administration and return-to-work processes in partnership with VetPartners

• Driving continuous improvement across HR systems, processes, documentation and reporting

• Championing employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, internal communications and recognition programs that strengthen workplace culture

• Identifying opportunities to leverage AI, automation and digital tools to improve efficiency and enhance People & Culture operations

• Contributing as an active member of the hospital team, supporting organisational change and business improvement initiatives

About You

You'll be a collaborative HR professional who enjoys building trusted relationships, solving problems and creating positive employee experiences.

You'll also bring:

• Previous experience in a Human Resources Coordinator or HR Generalist role

• Experience supporting the full employee lifecycle

• Working knowledge of Australian employment legislation and HR best practice

• Experience supporting leaders with employee relations, performance management and people processes

• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the confidence to work with leaders at all levels

• Experience using HRIS and recruitment systems, with strong Microsoft Office skills

• A continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for leveraging technology and AI to improve the employee experience

Why Join Southpaws?

At Southpaws, you'll join a purpose-driven organisation where collaboration, compassion and excellence are at the centre of everything we do.

We offer:

• A diverse and rewarding HR generalist role with genuine variety

• The opportunity to partner closely with hospital leaders and the broader VetPartners People &Culture team

• A supportive leadership environment that encourages professional growth and development

• The opportunity to influence culture, engagement and continuous improvement initiatives

• Access to one of Australia's largest veterinary networks, with career development opportunities across VetPartners

• A workplace where your ideas are valued and your contribution makes a real difference

If you're passionate about people, enjoy building positive workplace cultures and want to help shape the employee experience in a leading veterinary hospital, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the Southpaws team.

Southpaws and VetPartners are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.