Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Core Competencies
Certification
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

RACHEL BARRER

Melbourne

Summary

I’m a strategic and people-first HR leader with over 15 years’ experience shaping culture, improving capability, and guiding organisations through growth and change. I bring a rare combination of commercial acumen and creative insight, developed through work across corporate, government, and creative sectors. I’m at my best building inclusive, high-performing teams, solving complex people challenges, and designing strategies that connect culture with business outcomes. I lead with empathy, clarity and purpose — and I’m passionate about creating workplaces where people and performance thrive together.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior People & Culture Manager

Vikings Group
07.2024 - Current
  • Led the strategic development and execution of People & Culture initiatives for a workforce of 350 employees, guaranteeing alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Ensured full compliance with Australian employment legislation, demonstrating expertise in the Hospitality Award and the Registered and Licensed Club Award.
  • Provided expert guidance to executive and venue management teams on complex employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions and industrial compliance, fostering a positive and legally compliant workplace culture.
  • Managed the full employee lifecycle, encompassing talent acquisition, onboarding, performance evaluations and exit processes, utilising HRIS platforms to maintain accurate records and streamline People & Culture operations.
  • Collaborated with external legal counsel and People & Culture partners to address sensitive workplace issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution in accordance with Australian employment laws and best practices.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive People & Culture policies and procedures, conducted organisational role reviews and maintained up-to-date position descriptions to support strategic workforce planning and organisational development.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Successfully led the People & Culture function to enhance organisational performance and employee engagement, contributing to a cohesive and compliant workplace environment.
  • Redesigned kitchen staffing structure to enhance operational efficiency and workforce alignment.
  • Established and implemented a staff visa sponsorship program to support critical talent acquisition.
  • Developed and deployed an internal communication platform to improve staff engagement and information flow.
  • Served as a guest speaker at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), providing career guidance and industry insights to the 2025 graduating class on finding jobs within the hospitality sector.

Head of People and Culture

Parker Wealth Management
01.2023 - 06.2024
  • Developed and implemented People & Culture strategies aligned with organisational goals, fostering a culture of performance and accountability.
  • Led end-to-end talent acquisition processes, including workforce planning, recruitment and onboarding, to attract and retain top talent.
  • Designed and executed performance management frameworks, encompassing regular reviews, feedback mechanisms and professional development plans.
  • Provided expert guidance on employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with Australian employment legislation and best practices.
  • Championed initiatives to enhance employee engagement, well-being and workplace culture, contributing to a positive and inclusive environment.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Implemented and oversaw the successful rollout of a new People & Culture Management System (HRMS) to streamline People & Culture operations.
  • Designed and maintained a company-wide rewards and recognition program to reinforce performance and morale.
  • Developed and introduced updated Flexible Working Arrangements and Leave policies in line with contemporary workforce expectations.
  • Led cultural transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement and organisational alignment.
  • Project managed the implementation of the Go1 learning platform to support continuous professional development.
  • Launched “Adviser Talks,” a monthly internal speaking series modelled on TED Talks, to promote knowledge sharing and thought leadership.

People and Culture Adviser

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
10.2022 - 01.2023
  • Coordinated and delivered staff learning and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and compliance with relevant training standards.
  • Developed and maintained internal guidelines and policies, contributing to clear and consistent communication across the organisation.
  • Monitored and reported on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) issues, supporting a safe and compliant work environment.
  • Managed multiple People & Culture communication channels, ensuring timely and effective dissemination of information to staff and stakeholders.
  • Created and updated organisational charts, supporting workforce planning and structural clarity within the agency.
  • Key Achievement:
  • Fostered positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and contributing to the achievement of team, branch and strategic objectives.

Executive Assistant

Geoscience Australia
06.2021 - 10.2022
  • Managed complex calendars and scheduling for two Branch Heads, coordinating internal and external meetings, appointments and events to ensure optimal time management.
  • Provided high-level administrative support, including drafting and editing correspondence, reports and briefing materials, while maintaining confidentiality and adherence to organisational policies.
  • Liaised with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and recruitment partners, to facilitate effective communication and coordination across departments.
  • Maintained and updated organisational documents such as charts, recruitment trackers and distribution lists, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for relevant personnel.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by coordinating with People & Culture and external agencies, managing documentation and tracking progress to support staffing needs.
  • Key Achievement:
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and improving coordination between executive leadership and departmental teams.

Co-Founder / Producer / Project Manager

Barrer-Rojas Productions
12.2012 - 06.2021
  • Developed and managed detailed production budgets and schedules, ensuring projects were delivered on time and within financial constraints.
  • Recruited, led and supervised diverse production teams, fostering effective communication and a collaborative team culture throughout all phases of production.
  • Oversaw all logistical aspects of production, including location scouting, securing permits, coordinating equipment rentals and managing transportation and accommodations for cast and crew.
  • Collaborated closely with directors and creative teams to align production processes with the creative vision, ensuring seamless execution from pre-production through post-production.
  • Negotiated and managed contracts with vendors, talent and service providers, maintaining strong professional relationships and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
  • Key Achievement:
  • Successfully led the end-to-end production of multiple film, new media and theatre projects, enhancing the company's portfolio and reputation in the industry.

Teaching Artist / People Development Professional

Freelance / Contract Work
01.2006 - 12.2020
  • Designed and delivered tailored training programs to enhance communication, presentation and performance skills across diverse professional sectors.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive curricula and lesson plans for acting and creative arts education, catering to various age groups and skill levels.
  • Conducted individual and group coaching sessions to improve public speaking abilities and interpersonal communication among professionals.
  • Facilitated workshops and seminars focusing on employer-employee communication, fostering effective workplace interactions.
  • Collaborated with educational institutions to provide guest lectures and contracted teaching services, contributing to arts education in the community.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Delivered instruction in acting technique at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York City.
  • Provided advanced mentoring and coaching to applicants preparing for Performing Arts high school and tertiary program admissions.
  • Supported aspiring actors in developing their creative and professional capabilities to navigate the arts and entertainment industry.

Outreach Coordinator

LitWorld
02.2010 - 06.2011

Executive Assistant / Script Consultant

I.C.E (Independent Cinema Entertainment)
03.2004 - 01.2006

Education

Graduate Certificate of Theatre Studies

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
New York, New York

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

Victoria College of The Arts
Melbourne, VIC

Core Competencies

  • Strategic People & Culture Management: Directs end-to-end People & Culture operations across diverse industries, aligning workforce strategy with organisational objectives.
  • Employee Relations & Industrial Compliance: Advises on complex ER matters, including disputes, investigations and compliance with Australian workplace legislation.
  • Organisational Development: Leads initiatives to restructure teams, implement flexible working policies and cultivate inclusive, high-performance workplace cultures.
  • Learning & Development: Designs and delivers training programs, onboarding frameworks and leadership development initiatives to support workforce capability.
  • Project & Change Management: Oversees enterprise-wide People & Culture projects, including system implementations, communication tools and engagement initiatives.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong relationships with executives, boards, legal counsel, creative teams and cross-sector stakeholders to drive shared outcomes.
  • Cultural Leadership & Engagement Strategy: Combines creative insight and cross-sector experience to shape workplace culture, elevate internal communication, and drive employee engagement initiatives aligned to business goals
  • People & Culture Systems & Analytics: Utilises HRMS platforms, workforce analytics and reporting tools to inform decisions and streamline People & Culture service delivery.

Certification

  • LGBTQ+ Awareness Training
  • Disability Awareness Training
  • Work Health & Safety
  • Thriving Minds Workshop
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Professional Coach Certificate

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Thrive under pressure and manage competing priorities with focus and composure
  • Communicate with clarity, confidence and diplomacy across all levels
  • Demonstrate high emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership
  • Solve complex problems with creative thinking and adaptability
  • Maintain discretion, integrity and professionalism in sensitive matters
  • Champion inclusive, collaborative and high-performing team cultures

Affiliations

  • Member of AHRI
  • Member of SAG-AFTRA
  • Member of New York Women in Film & Television
  • Multi-Award-Winning Film and New Media Producer

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Senior People & Culture Manager

Vikings Group
07.2024 - Current

Head of People and Culture

Parker Wealth Management
01.2023 - 06.2024

People and Culture Adviser

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
10.2022 - 01.2023

Executive Assistant

Geoscience Australia
06.2021 - 10.2022

Co-Founder / Producer / Project Manager

Barrer-Rojas Productions
12.2012 - 06.2021

Outreach Coordinator

LitWorld
02.2010 - 06.2011

Teaching Artist / People Development Professional

Freelance / Contract Work
01.2006 - 12.2020

Executive Assistant / Script Consultant

I.C.E (Independent Cinema Entertainment)
03.2004 - 01.2006

Graduate Certificate of Theatre Studies

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

Victoria College of The Arts

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RACHEL BARRER