HR Manager

DWF; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking an HR Manager to provide generalist HR support for approximately 300 staff across Australia. You will guide people initiatives, align with the Global Operating Model, and partner with Centres of Excellence to drive a connected colleague experience.

You will lead cyclical HR activities, design people plans, and deliver organisational design changes to support sustainable growth in the region.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience leading cyclical HR activities.
• Detailed knowledge of employment law and regulations, specifically relating to the Australian market.
• Proven technical HR expertise with the ability to coach senior leaders and colleagues.
• Skilled in translating business needs into actionable HR plans.
• Hands-on delivery of colleague-centered initiatives aligned with growth objectives.
• Background in regulated, structured corporate environments (e.g., professional services).
• Action-oriented with strong analytical skills and outcome focus.
• Self-starter who thrives both independently and in global team settings.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional colleague experiences.
• Resilient and motivated by challenges and success.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Divisional Head of HR who is based in the UK, the HR Manager will lead and deliver HR activity for Australia, taking responsibility for working with the wider Group function in:
• Delivery of divisional people priorities across the region acting as a SME to implement in line with local legislation.
• Delivery of cyclical people processes, e.g. performance management, pay review, talent and succession activities, engagement action plans etc.
• Leading business change projects through to successful completion.
• Undertake reviews of organisational structures with the appropriate business leaders to ensure they are set up to deliver the business priorities in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
• Working with people leaders to implement plans to improve retention and reduce attrition within areas.
• Implementing HR policies and procedures, alongside drafting and implementing any local operating procedures, where appropriate.
• Working closely with the Group Centres of Excellence, including Talent Acquisition, Performance & Engagement, ER, Reward and HR Operations to create a connected and rounded approach to colleague experience – supporting the delivery of the CVP throughout the whole organisation and driving high levels of colleague engagement across the business.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cyclical HR activities

Employment law (Australia)

Executive coaching

HR planning

People analytics

Change management

Global collaboration

Employee experience

Resilience

Decision making

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world, without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes for our colleagues, clients and communities, and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of everything we do.

As our HR Manager in Australia, you will provide generalist HR support to approximately 300 colleagues across the region, providing guidance and expertise to the DWF business and harnessing the Group's Global Operating Model to deliver service excellence.

This role will be critical in delivering activities that underpin our Group and Divisional People Plans and ensuring alignment across people management and organisational design activities within our Group business units.

The Group HR function needs not only to keep pace with the demands of the business, but also to anticipate change and proactively lead innovative approaches to delivering an engaging colleague experience. You will work closely with our Centres of Excellence to effect change, lead transformative business practices and support the sustainable growth of our business.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Divisional Head of HR who is based in the UK, the HR Manager will lead and deliver HR activity for Australia, taking responsibility for working with the wider Group function in:

• Delivery of divisional people priorities across the region acting as a SME to implement in line with local legislation.
• Delivery of cyclical people processes, e.g. performance management, pay review, talent and succession activities, engagement action plans etc.
• Leading business change projects through to successful completion.
• Undertake reviews of organisational structures with the appropriate business leaders to ensure they are set up to deliver the business priorities in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
• Working with people leaders to implement plans to improve retention and reduce attrition within areas.
• Implementing HR policies and procedures, alongside drafting and implementing any local operating procedures, where appropriate.
• Working closely with the Group Centres of Excellence, including Talent Acquisition, Performance & Engagement, ER, Reward and HR Operations to create a connected and rounded approach to colleague experience – supporting the delivery of the CVP throughout the whole organisation and driving high levels of colleague engagement across the business.

What will help you succeed in this role?

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience leading cyclical HR activities
• Detailed knowledge of employment law and regulations, specifically relating to the Australian market
• Proven technical HR expertise with the ability to coach senior leaders and colleagues
• Skilled in translating business needs into actionable HR plans
• Hands-on delivery of colleague-centered initiatives aligned with growth objectives
• Background in regulated, structured corporate environments (e.g., professional services)
• Action-oriented with strong analytical skills and outcome focus
• Self-starter who thrives both independently and in global team settings
• Passionate about delivering exceptional colleague experiences
• Resilient and motivated by challenges and success

What we offer

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.

DWF operates with 35+ offices globally, our main office based in the UK. Our offices in Australia are based in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, and Melbourne.