Elly Newman
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
I’ve built my career around people — from leading retail teams to finding, developing, and supporting talent. With a strong foundation in customer service and human resources, I’m passionate about building positive workplace culture, improving the employee experience, and helping people grow in roles where they can genuinely thrive. I’m at my best when I’m supporting leaders, building capability and creating an environment where people feel engaged, valued and connected to the company’s purpose.
I take a people-first approach to everything I do, whether it’s cultural development, coaching, recruitment or improving HR processes. I’m driven by helping others reach their potential and contributing to a high-performing, values-led workplace.
I’m now looking for a People & Culture Manager role where I can bring my strengths in recruitment, coaching, cultural development and process improvement to a team that values growth, collaboration and meaningful impact.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
People and Recruitment Manager
KOOKAI
Melbourne, Victoria
06.2025 - Current
- Directed end-to-end recruitment in Victoria, aligning hiring with company culture values
- Updated and approved HR documents, contracts, letters, and recruitment forms nationally
- Ensured compliance with diversity guidelines in recruitment processes.
- Led recruitment initiatives to attract top talent for fashion retail positions
- Collaborated with department heads to identify staffing needs and job specifications
- Developed and implemented recruitment strategies to enhance candidate engagement
- Utilized applicant tracking systems to streamline hiring workflows and documentation
- Created job descriptions that accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities of each position
- Conducted employee performance reviews and implemented corrective actions to increase productivity
- Created and implemented employee retention strategies
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Developed employee orientation and training programs for new hires
- Aligned HR policies with federal and local regulations
- Launched wellness plans to reduce stress, boost morale and increase productivity
- Launched innovative incentive program to achieve low turnover rate in highly competitive market
Recruitment Manager
KOOKAI
Hawthorn East, Victoria
03.2023 - 06.2025
- Managed full recruitment cycle, from advertising to onboarding, ensuring alignment with company culture.
- Collaborated with Head of People and Development to execute national retail and training initiatives.
- Assisted Social and Wellbeing committee in organizing weekly wellness and employee engagement initiatives.
- Implemented strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention based on exit survey trends.
Senior Training and Development Manager
KOOKAI
Hawthorn East, Victoria
11.2019 - 03.2023
- Executed timely recruitment processes for retail locations in Victoria
- Facilitated comprehensive staff induction and onboarding training programs
- Designed and delivered targeted training to enhance employee skills and performance
- Promoted exceptional customer experiences through effective employee development initiatives
- Cultivated positive company culture aligned with organisational values
- Coordinated succession planning and managed performance evaluations efficiently
- Enhanced employee productivity by fostering a continuous learning environment
- Performed HR administrative duties, including contracts, payroll, and employee exits
Education
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Swinburne University
Melbourne10.2018
Certificate II & IV - Retail & Retail Management
Chisholm Institute
Melbourne, VIC06.2009
Year 12 VCE -
Kilbreda College
Mentone, VICSkills
- Strong organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Relationship building and Teamwork
- Adaptability under pressure
- Proactive problem-solving
- People-oriented approach
- Professional discretion
- Reliability and accountability
References
Available upon request
Future Location
Gold Coast, Queensland, 2026
Timeline
People and Recruitment Manager
KOOKAI
06.2025 - Current
Recruitment Manager
KOOKAI
03.2023 - 06.2025
Senior Training and Development Manager
KOOKAI
11.2019 - 03.2023
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Swinburne University
Certificate II & IV - Retail & Retail Management
Chisholm Institute
Year 12 VCE -
Kilbreda College