Head of People and Culture

_{31st May, 2026}

NextEd Group is one of Australia's leading private education providers, supporting more than 20,000 students annually across Higher Education, Vocational Education and English Language programs. With campuses across Australia and recruitment offices around the world, NextEd is committed to delivering outstanding learning experiences and helping students achieve their personal and professional ambitions.

As the organisation continues to evolve and grow, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of People & Culture to join the Executive Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping the future of the business.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction of the organisation while remaining connected to the people and teams that make it successful.

You'll be responsible for creating an environment where people feel engaged, supported and empowered to do their best work. From leadership development and culture initiatives through to workforce planning, employee experience and organisational change, you will play a key role in helping the business achieve its strategic goals.

One day you may be partnering with the Executive Leadership Team on organisational design and workforce planning. The next, you may be coaching leaders, driving engagement initiatives, reviewing employee experience programs or supporting change across the organisation.

With a diverse workforce spanning multiple campuses this is a role that offers genuine variety, challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation's People & Culture strategy
• Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on workforce planning and organisational effectiveness
• Drive culture, engagement and employee experience initiatives across the business
• Build leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and development programs
• Lead organisational change and transformation projects
• Oversee talent acquisition, workforce planning and succession strategies
• Ensure employment compliance, governance and risk frameworks remain effective
• Lead remuneration reviews and people-related reporting
• Champion wellbeing, inclusion and employee engagement initiatives
• Lead and develop a high-performing People & Culture team

About You

You are a people-first leader who understands the impact that strong culture, capable leaders and engaged employees can have on organisational success.

Comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, you enjoy partnering with executives on long-term workforce initiatives while remaining connected to the day-to-day realities of the business.       

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading People & Culture functions within complex organisations
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial relations
• Experience partnering with senior executives and influencing organisational outcomes
• Demonstrated success driving culture, engagement and leadership initiatives
• Strong change management and organisational development capability
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels
• Excellent communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline

Why Join NextEd?

This is an opportunity to join a values-driven organisation where people genuinely care about the impact they have on students, colleagues and the broader community.

You will work alongside a collaborative executive team, have direct access to the CEO and play a key role in shaping the future of a growing national organisation.

If you are looking for a role where you can influence strategy, strengthen culture and develop leaders we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Tidal Recruitment Partners or apply via SEEK.