Head of Talent Acquisition and Shared Services

Work Type:

Location:

Sydney - NSW 

  • Lead a high-impact transformation across TA and HR operations
  • Newly created leadership role with executive and board visibility
  • Shape the future of TA and people services in a dynamic, purpose-led environment

Join a complex, forward-thinking insurance organisation delivering real outcomes for individuals and communities. With a newly restructured People Experience function, a growing workforce, and a strong mandate for change, this is a rare opportunity to build a modern, unified people function in an environment that is fast-paced, values-led, and future-focused.
  
This organisation operates with a public purpose mindset, but with the agility and ambition of a commercial business. It’s backed by a highly engaged CEO, supportive executive team, and a culture of collaboration and care.
  
The Opportunity
Reporting to the General Manager, People Experience and as their 2IC, this newly created role will lead the integration and transformation of Talent Acquisition and People Services into a cohesive, high-performing function that supports the entire employee lifecycle.

Your key focus areas will span recruitment transformation, people services uplift and leadership and change.  You will have the support of a dedicated Project Lead to design and implement a scalable, efficient future-fit recruitment model that enables the organisation's talent strategy and builds internal capability.

In parallel, you’ll lead the evolution of People Services from a transactional function to a digitally enabled, employee-centric service. This includes simplifying policies, strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and harnessing platforms like SuccessFactors and ServiceNow to enable automation, consistency, and a seamless employee experience.
  
As a senior leader, you’ll drive complex change with high visibility across the organisation, partnering closely with a CEO and Chief People Officer who are committed to people and performance. You'll lead the cultural shift from dependency to empowered leadership, enabling a more accountable, capable, and future-ready people function.
  
About You
You're an experienced, people-centred leader who thrives in complexity and transformation. You're strategic by nature, operationally sharp, and not afraid to roll up your sleeves.

You’ll bring:
  • Proven leadership experience in Talent Acquisition, People Services, or HR Operations
  • Experience leading change in a regulated environment
  • Deep knowledge of recruitment models, shared services uplift, and service design
  • Confidence working with executive teams, boards, and diverse stakeholders
  • Strong grasp of HR systems and automation tools (e.g. SuccessFactors, PageUp, ServiceNow)
  • A passion for building high-performing teams, processes, and scalable solutions
  
Why Join?
  
This is a role that will allow you to shape and lead a fit-for-purpose, future-ready people function and create impact in a socially driven, people-first organisation.  You will collaborate with smart, respectful, and supportive leaders and enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy.  Be part of a culture that values service, innovation, and care.  You will be working in a flexible hybrid working and a collaborative team environment
  
Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion with Merridy Thomas on 02 8256 2543 and send your resume through to the email mthomas@thenextstep.com.au using the reference number 3973746.  
  
All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
 

Reference Number:

3973746

Date Published:

17-Oct-2025

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

mthomas@thenextstep.com.au

By applying for this role, you consent to your personal information being collected, stored, and shared in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.


Your details may be provided to our clients for potential opportunities; however, this will only occur after a discussion with one of our consultants and with your consent. We are committed to handling your information securely and confidentially in line with national privacy requirements.

APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
CREATE ALERT

Similar Jobs

READ MORE
Interested in this job?
Save this job
Print this job

Share this job

SCHEMA MARKUP ( This text will only show on the editor. )

The Next Step embraces individuality and differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, faith and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a recruitment experience that’s fair, inclusive and accessible. We encourage all suitable applicants to apply for roles. Please speak to our consultants about any accessibility needs to be considered during the recruitment process.