Head of HR | Enterprise People Strategy, Transformation & APAC Leadership | Sydney-based

A strategically driven and commercially minded HR executive with over 25 years of experience leading people functions at enterprise scale. Recognised for translating complex business strategy into measurable people outcomes, this candidate has built, transformed, and led HR across its full generalist breadth — from workforce planning and organisational design through to learning strategy, DEI, HR technology, and executive partnering.


Currently operating at the most senior levels of a large, complex organisation, with national accountability for a 12,000+ employee workforce and concurrent regional leadership across 120,000+ employees in Asia Pacific. Brings rare depth across both strategic vision and operational rigour, with direct experience managing a $25M+ portfolio and leading teams of 50+.


Key Strengths & Experience:

  • HR Strategy & Executive Partnership: A trusted C-suite partner with a proven track record of aligning people strategy to commercial priorities, contributing directly to enterprise-wide talent and workforce planning at the highest levels
  • Workforce Transformation & Organisational Design: Extensive experience leading large-scale HR transformation, including offshoring, shared services restructuring, operating model redesign, and change management across complex, multi-entity environments
  • Learning & Capability Development: Deep expertise building and scaling learning functions from the ground up, including skills academies, career pathways, onboarding programs, and regional learning technology ecosystems — with demonstrated outcomes including 56%+ employee engagement with skills development programs within 18 months of launch
  • APAC & Multi-Regional Leadership: Sophisticated understanding of multi-regional people complexity, with hands-on leadership across eight Asia Pacific markets and a strong track record of delivering consistent outcomes across diverse cultural and regulatory environments
  • HR Technology & Digital Transformation: Experienced driving the evolution of complex digital ecosystems including HRIS, LMS, LXP, and AI-enabled performance tools, including the deployment of first-to-market AI agents in a large enterprise environment
  • DEI & Employee Experience: Led diversity, equity and inclusion from inception in one organisation and embedded inclusive design principles at enterprise scale, alongside accountability for onboarding 3,000+ employees annually with a focus on belonging and accelerated productivity
  • Awards & Recognition: Multiple industry accolades including Australian HR Awards recognition for Best Use of Technology and AITD Best Learning & Development Program


A polished, high-calibre people executive who combines the gravitas and strategic depth of a seasoned CHRO-aligned leader with the hands-on capability to build, execute, and deliver. Ideally suited to a Head of HR, People & Culture Director, or Chief People Officer opportunity in an organisation ready to invest in its people function at the highest level.


Additional Information:

  • Permanent opportunities
  • Salary expectation: $200k+
  • Sydney-based
  • Available now

Want to meet this candidate? Contact James Purtell on 02 9220 3400 / 0499 141 822 or email jamesp@coxpurtell.com.au