About Us 

At Play Matters Australia, we enrich lives through connection and play. We value collaboration, inclusivity, creativity, fun, accountability, and contemporary practice. Recognising parents and caregivers as a child’s first teacher is central to our programs. 

Operating for over 50 years, Play Matters works alongside government, community, and non-government organisations to support families with young children through evidence-based early years programs. Join us in creating playful, nurturing environments where all children thrive. 

Commitment to Child Safety 

Play Matters is committed to the safety of children and young people across the organisation. Our recruitment practices include Working with Children Checks and reference checks to support the selection of suitable people. 

Your New Role 

Reporting to the Executive Manager – Brand & Strategy, you will provide operational HR advice and partner with leaders across the organisation to strengthen workforce capability, organisational performance and workplace culture. This role offers variety, autonomy and the opportunity to influence positive change.

The People & Culture Business Partner is a true generalist role with key responsibilities including:

• Coaching and advising leaders to build confidence, capability, and strong people management practices
• Leading complex employee relations matters, investigations, and workplace conduct processes
• Designing and delivering leadership development and workforce capability uplift initiatives
• Supporting workforce planning, recruitment, and improvements to onboarding and retention
• Providing direction, guidance, and mentoring to the People & Culture Coordinator and Assistant
• Partnering on WHS, wellbeing, and psychosocial safety initiatives
• Overseeing workers compensation and return‑to‑work processes
• Reviewing and enhancing HR policies, systems, and practices to strengthen compliance and clarity
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that elevate employee experience and organisational outcomes

Essential Criteria 

• Relevant qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, Organisational Psychology, or related discipline 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a HR generalist, advisory, or business partnering role  
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, Awards, and HR best practice 
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters and investigations 
• Experience designing and delivering leadership or workforce development initiatives 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships 
• High-level written communication and documentation skills 
• Holds or is eligible to hold a Working with Children Check 

Culture and Benefits 

• Purpose-driven organisation with real community impact 
• Inclusive, collaborative, and values-led culture 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Supportive leadership and development opportunities 
• Purchased leave options 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement 

At Play Matters Australia, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively uphold our Reconciliation Action Plan and strive to ensure every team member feels valued, respected, and supported. 

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and communities. 

If you require adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you. 

For enquiries, please contact:

Dan Marais – Executive Manager – Brand and Strategy.

dmarais@playmatters.org.au

Subject line: People & Culture Business Partner enquiry via EthicalJobs

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply now’ by the closing date.

A position description is attached.