Lead the evolution of People Assist at David Jones.

We are seeking an experienced People Assist Manager to lead our shared services function and elevate the delivery of people-related support across our business. This newly shaped role plays a pivotal part in building the future-state people shared services model, strengthening end‑to‑end employee lifecycle experiences, and enabling operational excellence.

In this role, you will lead and uplift our People Assist team—both onshore and offshore—driving service transformation, operational improvement, and a culture where people feel supported, valued, and connected to our purpose.

We are specifically looking for a leader with experience in shared services or centralised HR service delivery, (BPO experience managing offshore teams is very beneficial).

What You Will Achieve

As the People Assist Manager, you will:

• Lead and evolve the People Assist function to deliver high-quality, customer‑focused administrative and advisory services.
• Manage and mentor an offshore team, ensuring consistent, efficient, and human‑centred service delivery across the employee lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and service redesign initiatives to lift operational capability and remove manual work.
• Build strong relationships across People & Culture, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, Technology, Retail Operations and more, ensuring seamless cross‑functional support.
• Oversee service performance, SLAs, governance, process documentation, and cyclical people activity calendars.
• Act as a trusted advisor, ensuring fair, inclusive, and compliant people practices.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of the future shared services model (tiered, scalable, people-first).

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading a shared services or centralised HR operations team.
• Preferred experience managing offshore/BPO teams in a service delivery environment.
• Strong experience in a similar HR operations or shared services leadership role, ideally in a large, fast‑paced or multi‑site organisation.
• Strong capability in continuous improvement, simplification, process redesign and service optimisation.
• Ability to coach, develop, and uplift capability within operational teams.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Jira Service Management or PageUp (advantageous).

Why Work for Us?

• Unique opportunity to be part of a highly engaged team driving the transformation of an iconic Australian brand
• Competitive remuneration package
• Hybrid working arrangements that support work/life balance
• Parental leave policy of 18-weeks paid leave for the primary carer, and 3-weeks paid leave for the supporting partner
• Generous employee discounts across David Jones and access to partner benefits
• An additional day of leave for your birthday, plus time to support charitable work
• Opportunities to contribute to our Corporate Social Responsibility program and community partnerships
• Commitment to sustainability, shaping the future of modern retail
• Ongoing training and development to support your growth and ambitions

About Us

Since 1838, David Jones’ limitless quest for innovation and progress established the brand as Australia’s original influencer in fashion and lifestyle. Having revolutionised the way Australians shop, David Jones created a social centre that has inspired and created lasting memories for generations.

Today, our purpose to Inspire Like No Other drives us to continue this legacy, making David Jones the destination that inspires—through experiences, products, and services like no other.

Our Thriving cultural pillars guide how we work:

• Customer Obsessed – curious, connected, and dedicated to delighting customers
• Empowered – trusted, accountable, and always learning
• Inclusive – embracing diversity, belonging, and sustainability
• Innovative – challenging, evolving, and finding smarter ways to inspire

David Jones is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an inclusive workplace that values diversity. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.