Director People & Organization - Fixed Term Contract

SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.

At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically. Because at PUMA, whoever wants to play, can play.

Your mission

Cremorne, Melbourne

Reports to:Managing Director (Oceania), with a dotted line to Regional HR Director (Asia)

Team: Leading a team of 7

Global Lifestyle Brand 

About PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports and lifestyle brands, driving performance and culture through innovation, style, and speed. In Oceania,we’rein an exciting phase of acceleratedreset & recreate. Our team of 400+ employees across Australia and New Zealand plays a vital role in bringing PUMA’s spirit to life& strategic vision—from retail and wholesale to corporate functions.

The role will be based inour incredible new office in the heart ofCremorne. 

As part of a global team of 25,000teammembers, PUMAOceania thrives on collaboration, energy, and an inclusive culture that champions both performance and wellbeing. We move fast, challenge the expected, and support each other to win together.

About The Role

We’relookingforan inspiring Director, People & Organization (P&O) to lead our Oceania people strategy and elevate our culture during a 12‑month maternity leave period. This role is pivotal in enabling business growth, strengthening leadership capability, and ensuring our people experience reflects the heart of the PUMA brand.

You’llpartner closely with the Managing Director and collaborate with the Regional P&O DirectorforAsia to shape the future of our workforce, lead a team of seven talented P&O professionals, and deliver initiatives that support our high‑performance and people‑first culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the P&O strategy across Oceania in alignment with business goals and global PUMA priorities.

• Lead organizational planning initiatives including workforce planning, talent management, and succession to support rapid growth.

• Elevate employee engagement through meaningful programs that strengthen connection, wellbeing, and inclusivity.

• Embed the PUMA values and mindset into everyday practices and leadership behaviours.

• Partner closely with senior leadership and the Oceania Managing Director to shape and execute HR strategies aligned with the company’s growth goals.

• Oversee endtoendtalent acquisition, ensuring we attracthighcalibretalent across retail and corporate teams. 

• Lead learning and development efforts that build leadership capability and foster a highperforming, collaborative environment.

• Manage generalist HR operations across employee relations, performance management, policy, and payroll. 

• Oversee office facilities and ensure a safe, energising, and efficient workplace

• Lead, coach, and develop the P&O team, supporting their growth and ensuring consistent delivery of highimpact HR services

Your talent

About You (What We’re LookingFor)

You may be readyforyour next challenge, and a maternity leave contract offers the perfect opportunity to step into a more senior role-one where you can make a meaningful impact, lead a high‑performing team, and shape the people strategy of a globally recognised brand.

You lead with heart, courage, and commercial awareness. 

You are a strategic,forwardthinkingHR leader who thrives infastpaced, consumerfocused environments. You balancebigpicturethinking withhandsonexecution and bring a genuine passionforbuilding strong cultures and empowered teams.

You will bring:

• ABachelor’sdegree in HR,Businessor related field; postgraduate qualifications (CIPD, SHRM) are a plus.

• 10+ years of broad HR generalist experience, ideally in lifestyle, retail, or consumerdriven brands.

• Proven success in leading HR strategy within a scaling or highgrowth organization.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, coach, and partner with senior stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and relationshipbuilding abilities.

• Strong analytical capability and confidence in using datafordecisionmaking.

• Experience driving cultural and engagement initiatives across diverse teams.

• Exposure to facilities or workplace operations is beneficial.

Contract Start Date

We are lookingforthe candidate to start in May/June 2026. 

Interview Process

The selection process will consist of two stages, including an interview and a case study designed to assess strategic HR competencies and alignment with our growth ambitions.

Our principles

PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000 employees worldwide.