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
Preston, VIC
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
Mentone, Australia
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
Hawthorn East, Australia
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
Collingwood, Australia
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
Melbourne, Australia
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