Senior Human Resources Manager

Organization: Free the Bears

Location: Remote, with opportunities to travel to project sites in Australia and Southeast Asia

Contact: Part-time, 3 days per week. Two-year contract with the potential to extend depending on funding available and outcomes achieved.

Salary: Competitive salary of ca. AU$60,000 - AU$80,000 per annum (pro-rata), based on experience, qualifications and location.

About Free the Bears

Free the Bears is an international NGO, headquartered in Perth, Australia, dedicated to protecting and rescuing bears from exploitation, providing lifelong care at our sanctuaries across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Our work involves rescue, rehabilitation, research, and conservation efforts to ensure the survival and well-being of bears in Southeast Asia. With over 300 bears currently in our care, we are growing rapidly – having recently surpassed 100 employees - and are seeking a highly professional Senior HR Manager to lead and strengthen our human resource management across multiple sites.

About the Role

The Senior HR Manager will oversee all aspects of human resources strategy and operations, ensuring best practices in recruitment, employee relations, training, performance management, and compliance with local and international labour laws. The role requires a strategic thinker who can balance high-level planning with hands-on HR support to foster an ethical, efficient, and engaged workforce across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior HR Manager

·       Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

·       Recruitment & Management: Oversee all aspects of HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and compliance.

·       Workforce Planning: Analyzing, forecasting, and planning workforce supply and demand for FTB, assessing gaps, and determining targeted talent management interventions.

·       Build and maintain a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee engagement and well-being.

·       Provide strategic HR guidance and support to the senior leadership team.

·       Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.

Key Internal Stakeholders

·       Senior Management: Collaborate with Regional Director (line manager) and CEO to align HR strategies with organizational goals.

·       Programme Managers: Support HR needs and workforce planning and staff development across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

·       Finance & Administration Teams: Work closely with in-country teams on payroll, budgeting, and compliance matters.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

·       Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organisational Development, or a related field.

·       Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of experience in HR management, preferably within NGOs, conservation, or non-profit sectors.

·       Leadership: Proven experience in leading HR teams, conflict resolution, and organisational change management.

·       HR Expertise: Strong knowledge of employment laws, compensation structures, training, and performance management.

·       Communication Skills: Fluency in English (additional language skills relevant to Southeast Asia are a plus).

·       Software Proficiency: Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience working in Southeast Asia or multi-country HR roles.

·       Familiarity with ethical employment practices in conservation or non-profits.

·       Commitment to Free the Bears’ mission, values, and ethical approach to wildlife conservation and welfare.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter outlining their experience and suitability for the role to vacancy@freethebears.org with the subject line: “Senior HR Manager – [Your Name]”. 

As this is a remote position, in your cover letter, please specify: (1) where you would be based if successful in this application, (2) any constraints you may have regarding travel to project sites, and (3) your earliest availability to start.

Application Deadline: 9th May 2025