People & Culture (P&C) Operations Manager (Adelaide)

Reports To Chief Executive Officer Purpose of the Role To lead and deliver a practical, high‐impact People & Culture function that supports a24/7 wholesale market environment, enabling safe operations, strong tenant relationships, and a high-performance culture across SAPML. This role is both strategic and hands‐on, ensuring that people systems, compliance, and leadership capability keep pace with the operational demands of the market. Context of the Role (Why it matters at SAPML) SAPML operates a complex ecosystem, including: Market tenants (independent businesses employing their own teams) SAPML operational workforce Logistics, warehousing, and early‐morning trading environments A strong focus on safety, compliance, and stakeholder coordination The P&C; Operations Manager plays a critical role in: Supporting SAPML employees directly Influencing people practices across the broader market community Balancing commercial outcomes with regulatory obligations Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, support and develop a high‐performing leadership, fostering a culture of trust, accountability and shared ownership. Design and implement a P&C; Operations service model, with clear service levels that enable the business to operate confidently and consistently. Own and continuously improve end‐to‐end people processes across the employee lifecycle with a focus on efficiency, service quality and continuous improvement. Oversee payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely outcomes, contributing to a positive and dependable employee experience. Deliver a seamless and high‐quality operational experience for employees and leaders. Oversee the effectiveness of P&C; systems, including HRIS and ATS, partnering with IT and vendors to drive optimisation and user adoption. Establish strong people data practices that produce credible, meaningful reporting, enabling leaders to make informed workforce decisions with confidence. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation across P&C; function. Identify opportunities to simplify, automate and scale people and payroll‐related processes, demonstrating determination to continually lift how the function operates. Operational P&C; Leadership Lead all day‐to‐day P&C; operations (contracts, onboarding, policies, payroll interface) Ensure processes are easy, efficient, and fit‐for‐purpose in a rapid‐paced market environment Act as the first point of escalation for complex people matters Build the P&C; function that is visible, accessible, and trusted on‐site Workforce & Labour Environment Support workforce planning aligned to market 24/7 operating hours and peak periods Provide guidance on labour models suited to logistics, warehousing, and site services Monitor workforce trends (turnover, absenteeism, fatigue risks) Advise leaders on practical workforce solutions Skills & Experience Essential Proven experience in HR/P&C; leadership within operational environments (logistics, retail, warehousing, or similar) Strong working knowledge of Australian employment law and awards Experience managing employee relations in complex environments Ability to operate both strategically and hands‐on Desirable Experience in multi‐employer or precinct‐style environments Experience working alongside WHS in high‐risk environments HRIS implementation or optimisation experience About You You bring substantial experience leading HR, P&C; or the People Operations functions, with strong capability across HR and payroll systems, employment legislation, data management and process optimisation. You understand the importance of trustworthy data and reporting, and how operational excellence enables leaders to make better decisions and teams to perform at their best. You're an organised, pragmatic and people‐focused leader who values contribution through service and collaboration. Known for your determination, you're comfortable navigating complexity and leading change, maintaining high standards, consistency and care while continually looking for ways to improve... and know how to have fun! Qualifications Tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline (or equivalent experience) AHRI or similar professional membership (desirable) Success Profile (What Success Looks Like at SAPML) Leaders are confident and consistent in managing their teams P&C; is seen as a practical enabler of operations, not just a support function The market operates with strong people practices and minimal disruption Safety and wellbeing are embedded in day‐to‐day behaviours SAPML is recognised as a leader in workforce standards across the produce industry Why South Australia Produce Market Join us and be part of our 38‐year legacy, working in the dynamic fresh produce food hub of South Australia! We offer a chance to develop the full P&C; operations and process, enjoy the flexibility of working flexible days and hours, with early starts and early finish, with this role open to being part time. Location is the Pooraka market site. #J-*****-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3re158