Kylie Gardner
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Strategic and results-driven HR Executive with deep expertise in driving transformation, workforce optimization, and cultural change. Proven ability to align HR strategies with business objectives, fostering high-performing teams and enhancing employee engagement. Passionate about designing and executing innovative, cost-effective initiatives that strengthen leadership capability and drive sustainable organizational success. A trusted advisor to executive teams, with a track record of delivering people solutions that enable business growth and competitive advantage.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager People & Culture
Chemist Warehouse
03.2021 - Current
- Provided HR support during mergers and acquisitions, facilitating smooth organizational transitions.
- Implemented SAP Success Factors in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland business.
- Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, creating a more inclusive work environment for all employees.
- Reduced turnover through effective conflict resolution, mediation, and employee relations efforts.
- Enhanced employee engagement by implementing strategic HR initiatives and programs.
- Facilitated annual performance review process, driving accountability throughout the organization.
- Managed external vendor relationships to secure optimal service delivery in areas such as recruitment services or employee assistance programs.
Head of Human Resources
Westpac Group
01.2017 - 11.2019
- As Head of Human Resources, I was responsible for leading HR services, policies, and programs supporting the Chief Operating Officer, Consumer, across Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, and Bank SA brands
- Developed and delivered the annual People Plan, aligning HR strategy with business objectives
- Managed the FTE budget and led the Workforce Optimisation Project, introducing new workforce planning initiatives
- Presented People Updates to the Bank of Melbourne Advisory Board as required
- Coached senior leaders on cultural transformation, change management, and performance improvement
- Led and implemented organisational redesign, including the development of change packs endorsed by the Executive Committee
- Oversaw the Learning & Development budget, including the development of the Senior Leader Conference
- Managed compensation and benefits administration to ensure competitive and equitable remuneration
- Facilitated quarterly Employee Council Meetings in collaboration with the Financial Services Union (FSU)
- Recipient of the CEO Recognition Bonus for outstanding contributions to workforce transformation and cultural change
Lead HR Business Partner, Supply Chain (Fixed Term Contract)
Simplot Australia Pty Ltd
04.2016 - 07.2017
- Company Overview: Simplot Australia, owned by the J.R
- Simplot Company, operates six manufacturing plants across the eastern states, producing iconic brands such as Birds Eye, Leggo’s, Chiko, Edgell, John West, and Lean Cuisine
- Business partner to the Director of Supply Chain and six General Managers
- Led and developed five HR Managers across Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, supporting 2,000 employees
- Developed and implemented the annual People Plan for Supply Chain
- Led change strategies to ensure workforce engagement and readiness
- Advised on HR and ER matters, including EBA negotiations, in collaboration with the Workplace Relations Manager
- Member of both the Steering Committee (Executive Leadership Team) and Working Committee for Enterprise Negotiations
- Managed grievances, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement issues to mitigate IR risks
- Simplot Australia, owned by the J.R
- Simplot Company, operates six manufacturing plants across the eastern states, producing iconic brands such as Birds Eye, Leggo’s, Chiko, Edgell, John West, and Lean Cuisine
- Designed and implemented a Performance & Counselling Program
- Reviewed and relaunched an improved bulk recruitment process
- Provided strategic support in National EBA negotiations
Senior People Manager – Supply Chain Operations (Including Store Support)
Coles
04.2014 - 04.2016
- Company Overview: Coles employs 100,000 team members across more than 800 retail outlets in Australia
- Business partner to the GM Supply Chain and eight Heads of Supply Chain and Store Support, supporting 350 employees
- Led and developed the Learning & Organisational Development Business Partner
- Coached senior leaders and established best-practice HR functions
- Developed and implemented the People Strategy for Supply Chain
- Acted as Change Lead for two major transformation projects, achieving a 20% FTE reduction
- Developed People Capability Programs delivered at Quarterly Leadership Meetings
- Managed the Graduate Program, overseeing recruitment, selection, rotation planning, and leadership development
- Designed and facilitated leadership training modules (Levels 1–3)
- Delivered HR solutions aligned with business strategy and organisational effectiveness
- Coles employs 100,000 team members across more than 800 retail outlets in Australia
- Recipient of the Community Hero Award for environmental initiatives
- Reviewed and aligned reward and recognition programs with corporate values and policies
- Developed a change management program supporting two large transformation projects
Senior People Manager – Customer Service & Ground Operations
Jetstar Airways
12.2011 - 04.2014
- Company Overview: Jetstar is a low-cost airline operating across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific
- Served as 2IC to the General Manager of People – Australia
- Supported 1,700 employees in Australia and New Zealand and an additional 1,500 in Singapore, Japan, and Thailand
- Led and developed four P&C Business Partners across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland
- Developed and managed National Engagement Action Plans
- Led negotiations for multiple industrial agreements across highly unionized environments
- Developed and implemented a formal performance management policy
- Coordinated core annual HR activities, including talent and succession planning, remuneration review, and performance management
- Managed industrial grievances to reduce risk and costs
- Jetstar is a low-cost airline operating across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific
- Improved absenteeism rates by 20% through better workforce management
- Optimized bulk recruitment processes, achieving annual savings of over $50,000
Lead P&C Business Partner – Merchant Operations & Corporate Services
AGL Energy Ltd
06.2011 - 12.2011
- Company Overview: AGL Energy is one of Australia’s largest integrated energy companies, with approximately 2,100 employees
- Coached and developed two P&C Business Partners supporting remote sites at Torrens Island and Mount Beauty
- Partnered with senior leadership to enhance people management skills
- Led talent and succession strategies to grow key business talent
- Provided HR guidance for major change initiatives and projects
- Contributed to the revision and implementation of HR processes across business units
- AGL Energy is one of Australia’s largest integrated energy companies, with approximately 2,100 employees
Head of People & Culture – Retail Energy (Secondment)
AGL Energy Ltd
10.2010 - 12.2011
- Developed and executed the annual People Plan for Retail
- Evaluated business projects for P&C impacts and implemented strategic HR interventions
- Strengthened leadership capability within the Retail Leadership Team
- Operationalized key strategic People & Culture initiatives
- Advised the Retail GM group on people-related issues and opportunities
- Aligned HR strategies with long-term business plans and compliance requirements
- Led a team of eight HR professionals to deliver operational P&C outcomes
- Increased team capability and engagement, as recognized by leadership
- Delivered a major organisational design project
People & Culture Business Partner – Marketing & Customer Experience
AGL Energy Ltd
07.2010 - 10.2010
People & Culture Business Partner – Customer Service
AGL Energy Ltd
03.2008 - 07.2010
- Provided leadership coaching and strategic HR support to the Customer Operations team
- Ensured alignment between major P&C initiatives and Retail objectives
- Built HR capability within the business and enhanced core P&C processes
- Led talent, succession, and leadership development initiatives
- Negotiated and implemented EBAs in collaboration with the Employee Relations Manager
- Managed industrial grievances to mitigate risk and financial impact
- Recipient of the Living the Values Award for improving engagement scores from 48 in 2009 to 67 in 2010
- Implemented an RPO solution, reducing early attrition from 33% to under 20%
Education
Graduate Certificate - HR Management
Swinburne University of Technology
01.2002
Learning Styles Inventory -
Human Synergistics
01.2016
Diploma - Front Line Management
Swinburne TAFE
01.1999
Skills
- Executive Leadership & People Strategy
- Organizational Transformation & Change Management
- Strategic Workforce Planning & Talent Optimization
- Culture, Engagement & Leadership Development
- Industrial & Employee Relations Strategy
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Workforce Integration
- HR Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
- Succession Planning & Executive Coaching
- HR Technology & People Analytics
Industry Contributions
- Keynote Speaker – Industry Leadership & HR Innovation Conferences
- Executive Mentor – Women in Leadership Programs
Timeline
General Manager People & Culture
Chemist Warehouse
03.2021 - Current
Head of Human Resources
Westpac Group
01.2017 - 11.2019
Lead HR Business Partner, Supply Chain (Fixed Term Contract)
Simplot Australia Pty Ltd
04.2016 - 07.2017
Senior People Manager – Supply Chain Operations (Including Store Support)
Coles
04.2014 - 04.2016
Senior People Manager – Customer Service & Ground Operations
Jetstar Airways
12.2011 - 04.2014
Lead P&C Business Partner – Merchant Operations & Corporate Services
AGL Energy Ltd
06.2011 - 12.2011
Head of People & Culture – Retail Energy (Secondment)
AGL Energy Ltd
10.2010 - 12.2011
People & Culture Business Partner – Marketing & Customer Experience
AGL Energy Ltd
07.2010 - 10.2010
People & Culture Business Partner – Customer Service
AGL Energy Ltd
03.2008 - 07.2010
Learning Styles Inventory -
Human Synergistics
Diploma - Front Line Management
Swinburne TAFE
Graduate Certificate - HR Management
Swinburne University of Technology
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