Head of Human Resources

About MARS-FEED
MARS-FEED, which stands for Mars Food Ecosystem Engineering Design, is a multidisciplinary research and innovation initiative exploring the food systems required to support human life in future Mars habitats and other extreme environments. Our work spans space nutrition, astronaut health, food preservation, long-duration missions, engineering design and food infrastructure.MARS-FEED brings together expertise across science, engineering, nutrition, molecular biosciences, design, business strategy, marketing and space related research. Through research, publication oriented projects, collaboration and public engagement, we aim to advance knowledge of human sustainability beyond Earth while creating opportunities for emerging researchers and professionals to develop practical skills and experience.
About the Role
MARS-FEED is seeking a capable and people focused Head of Human Resources (HR) to establish and lead our human resources function.
Reporting to Business Strategy and Operations, you will manage recruitment, onboarding, people policies, team engagement and workforce planning across the initiative. You will also lead three Human Resources Officers and work closely with project leaders to support a professional, inclusive and well organised team environment.
This is a hands on leadership opportunity for an emerging HR professional seeking meaningful responsibility and practical experience within a growing multidisciplinary initiative.
MARS-FEED is recruiting one Head of Human Resources and three Human Resources Officers. Applicants who perform strongly but are not selected for the Head position may be offered a Human Resources Officer position, subject to their suitability and agreement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead recruitment, candidate selection, onboarding and offboarding across MARS-FEEDManage and mentor three Human Resources Officers, allocate responsibilities and monitor deliverablesDevelop practical HR policies covering conduct, confidentiality, privacy, inclusion and team wellbeingSupport project leaders with workforce planning, role design, performance feedback and conflict resolutionMaintain accurate people records and report on recruitment, participation, engagement and capability requirements
About You
We are looking for an organised, discreet and people focused applicant with strong communication skills, sound judgement and demonstrated leadership potential.Preference will be given to applicants who meet at least one of the following criteria:Currently completing the third year or later of an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, ORCurrently undertaking postgraduate study, including an Honours degree, Master’s degree or PhD, in a relevant discipline, ORGraduated from a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate program within the past four years
Relevant Degrees and Disciplines
Human Resource ManagementPeople and CultureIndustrial RelationsEmployment RelationsBusiness or Commerce with a Human Resources majorOrganisational PsychologyOrganisational DevelopmentManagement or LeadershipLaw with an employment or workplace relations focus
Skills and Experience
The successful applicant will ideally demonstrate:Strong written and verbal communication skillsLeadership capability and confidence coordinating a teamProfessional judgement, discretion and integrityThe ability to manage confidential information responsiblyStrong organisation and attention to detailAn understanding of recruitment, onboarding and people management principlesThe ability to manage priorities and meet agreed timelinesA fair, respectful and solutions focused approachConfidence collaborating with people from different disciplines and backgrounds
Experience in recruitment, administration, team leadership, student societies, volunteering, people operations or policy development will be highly regarded.
Knowledge of Australian workplace relations, privacy, equal opportunity, health and safety, or internship management principles will also be valued.
What We Offer
Executive-level responsibility for establishing and leading the MARS-FEED human resources functionA highly flexible commitment designed to work around university timetables, assessments and other responsibilitiesStrategic experience across workforce planning, recruitment, governance and organisational cultureHigh-value leadership experience to strengthen your resume and future career opportunitiesAccess to professional connections across aerospace, technology, space and rocketry, research, and businessA Knowledge Angels certificate formally recognising your leadership and contributions