Senior People & Culture Advisor

COX is a design-focused contemporary architectural practice with studios located across Australia and Auckland, and a 60-year history of working on global projects.

COX works within a collegiate framework allowing the best ideas emerge meritocratically - we are 'by the many, for the many.' Our Practice is some 500 talented architects, urban planners, interior designers, graphic designers, researchers, and digital visualisation experts. We continuously seek the brightest minds to innovate around design, process, and typology.

We design with purpose, creating spaces that stand the test of time both in aesthetics and functionality. Our philosophy is to Create to Last, ensuring our projects not only endure but thrive. We champion the principle of Do More, with Less, leveraging innovative solutions that are not just sustainable, but regenerative. Our strength lies in our ability to Embody Diversity, drawing on a multitude of perspectives to enrich our designs. We Lead with Empathy, deeply engaging with the needs of our communities and clients, creating architecture that resonates and inspires.

We invest in our staff with mentoring, regular career development reviews, flexible work practices, generous parental leave, training, and a sustainable, diverse, fun, and educational atmosphere.

Key responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Head of People & Culture to provide support and coaching to the management team in implementing the P&C Strategy for the Studio.
• Deliver operational elements of the P&C function, including but not limited to generation of employment agreements, letters, etc.
• Manage the P&C calendar, including career development reviews, talent and remuneration reviews and exit interviews.
• Assist with the development of the Recruitment Strategy including but not limited to talent identification and acquisition and execute for the studio.
• Coordinate recruitment activities, interviews, reference checks, onboarding and induction.
• Coordinate work experience and internship programs.
• Assist management in managing and allocating resources across the studio.
• Assist with the development of the Remuneration and Reward strategy and execute for the studio.
• Assist with Directors and Associates in Talent Management and Planning.
• Assist with building and maintaining a skills matrix.
• Manage and coordinate professional development program, including but not limited to CPD, training sessions, seminars, team building and leadership programs.
• Measure Competency and Capability across studio projects within the AEO framework.
• Develop local P&C initiatives to foster a positive and vibrant working environment to enhance employee experience, well-being, and studio culture.
• Coordinate and promote EAP information and initiatives with the studio.
• Provide timely and accurate advice to management on performance, under performance and conduct issues as needed.
• Act as Investigating Officer in managing employee grievances, mediating disputes and ensuring issues are resolved in a timely and professional manner. Notify Head of P&C of grievances.
• Ensure all performance, conduct and grievance matters are managed and documented according to relevant legislation.
• Identify and manage any employee relations risks.
• Partner with Head of P&C, General Counsel and Senior Management to mitigate industrial risk.
• Identify trends in ER issues across the studio and develop appropriate remedial strategies.
• Assist with regular reviews of P&C policies to ensure they are current and reflect any changes to relevant legislation or company practice.
• Manage WHS responsibilities within the studio, incident reports, hazard/risk register, communicate and consult with employees on WHS matters.
• Adhoc projects and P&C initiatives local and across COX

Key Relationships:

• Head of People & Culture
• Directors
• Associates
• COX P&C Team

Knowledge and experience:

• At least 3-5 years' experience in a generalist P&C role
• Experience partnering with management teams
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, including Fair Work Act, Awards, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to build effective relationships
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive, hands on approach with a willingness to learn
• Ability to resolve complex issues
• Adaptable and forward thinking

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified in Human Resources or equivalent

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about people and improving the employee experience with an interest in architecture and design, then we would like to hear from you.