Job Description

The Head of People is a senior People and Culture role responsible for partnering across the commercial portfolio (Sales, Marketing, Media and subsidiary businesses) to provide strategic people advice and solutions to the carsales leadership team.

Operating as a trusted advisor and people expert, this role drives initiatives that support business performance, organisational capability, and a high-engagement culture.

This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity reporting to the Executive General Manager - People. The role leads a Senior People & Culture Advisor, Talent Advisor and Workplace Experience Manager and is a key contributor to the broader People & Culture team. The role will commence in late May 2026.

What you’ll be doing

• Strategic partnering with the carsales Leadership Team and Senior Leaders across People programs, initiatives, employee relations, compliance and systems aligned to the people strategy.
• Lead and execute people programs across the employee lifecycle including onboarding, performance, development, engagement, and retention.
• Drive engagement initiatives that maintain and grow carsales' recognition as a Top Employer.
• Own end to end delivery of organisational change, including new structures, ways of working and major people initiatives, ensuring effective change management across restructures and complex programs.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion, embedding DEI principles into leadership behaviours and people practices.
• Partner with Reward and the broader People & Culture function to deliver remuneration and benefits review cycles effectively.
• Provide timely, expert guidance on employee relations matters including performance management, misconduct, grievances, and workplace investigations.
• Champion HRIS improvements, adoptions and enhancements within the P+C team and broader business.
• Manage the carsales WHS framework.
• Oversee the workplaces function, providing national oversight of offices, leases, employee experience, facilities operations and expense approvals.
• Lead, coach, and develop your team of direct reports, providing clear direction, regular feedback, and meaningful development support.

Qualifications

What we are looking for

• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leaders, in a senior HR business partner or equivalent leadership role.
• Comfortable working in a high growth and changing environment.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and provide credible strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Experience managing a team.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to connect people strategy to business outcomes.
• Strong change management experience.
• Experience managing commercial portfolios is desirable, including international teams.
• Expertise across talent management, organisational development, and employee relations.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and challenging constructively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong influencing ability.
• High level of discretion in managing confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in an ASX-listed, technology, digital, or media organisation desired.

Additional Information

A few other things we want you to know...

• As an equal opportunity employer, carsales welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and life experiences. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
• If you have a disability or require adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process, please let us know - we’re here to support you.
• We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, including part-time options. If you’d like to explore this, just ask during the process.
• We’re also a proud Circle Back Initiative employer, which means we commit to responding to every applicant.
• Successful candidates joining the carsales team will need to complete a National Police Record check and must have full-time Australian working rights.

So come join us - because every role plays a vital part in our journey toward something big!