Human Resources Manager | Construction

Core Talent; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 189,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2 days WFH

Job summary

National Construction Business is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the people function across NSW and QLD, partnering with the GM and senior leaders. You will drive strategic and operational HR, manage ER/IR matters, and oversee HRIS, recruitment, succession and culture initiatives.

You will role-model credibility and resilience in a large blue‑collar, site‑based environment, delivering practical advice and shaping the next phase of the people function.

Qualifications

• Proven HR leadership in construction/civil/infrastructure or similar operational environment.
• Strong generalist HR experience across strategic and operational functions.
• ER and IR expertise, incl. Enterprise Agreements and Modern Awards.
• Solid knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial relations.
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters with senior leaders.
• Exposure to workers' compensation and Return to Work processes.
• Commercial judgment and ability to influence at the leadership level.
• Experience leading or developing HR teams.
• Strong written communication and HR documentation skills.
• Experience with HRIS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function across ~400 employees NSW and QLD.
• Provide strategic and operational HR advice to the senior leadership team.
• Manage complex employee relations matters including investigations, grievances, disciplinaries, terminations.
• Advise leaders on performance management and coaching.
• Work across EA, Awards and employment legislation with guidance on negotiations.
• Oversee workers' compensation and Return to Work with HSEQ.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Drive organisational development, culture, engagement and change initiatives.
• Support workforce planning, succession, retention and talent strategies.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and relationships with agencies and labour hire.
• Lead performance reviews and KPI processes.
• Provide HR reporting and commercial insights to the GM.
• Embed and optimise the HRIS across the organisation.
• Lead and develop the HR team (HRBP + Talent Acquisition Specialist).

Skills

HR leadership

Generalist HR

ER IR expertise

Australian employment law

Workers' compensation

Return to Work

HRIS proficiency

HR documentation

Team leadership

Strategic & operational HR

Tools

HRIS platforms

Job description

HR Manager

Western Sydney | $210,000 + super | 2 days WFH | National Construction Business

Lead HR across a high-performing, blue-collar construction business Following continued growth and expansion, my client is looking for an experienced HR Manager to take ownership of the people function and partner directly with the GM and senior leadership team. Operating on a national scale with around 400 employees.

This is a genuine opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level and thrives in a fast-paced, site-based environment.

The Role Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will lead a small HR & talent team and provide trusted HR leadership across the business. You'll work closely with senior leaders, managers and site-based teams, providing practical advice while driving the broader people strategy.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the HR function across a workforce of approximately 400 employees across NSW and QLD
• Providing strategic and operational HR advice to the senior leadership team
• Managing complex employee and industrial relations matters, including investigations, grievances, disciplinary matters and terminations
• Advising leaders on performance management, coaching and difficult conversations
• Working across Enterprise Agreements, Modern Awards and employment legislation, including supporting EA negotiations
• Overseeing workers' compensation claims and Return to Work processes in partnership with HSEQ
• Developing and implementing HR policies, procedures and compliance frameworks
• Driving organisational development, culture, engagement and change initiatives
• Supporting workforce planning, succession planning, retention and talent strategies
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding and relationships with recruitment agencies and labour hire providers
• Leading performance review and KPI processes
• Providing HR reporting, metrics and commercial insights to the GM
• Continuing to improve and embed the organisation's HRIS
• Leading and developing the HR team, currently comprising an HR Business Partner and Talent Acquisition Specialist

My client is looking for an experienced HR Manager or senior HR professional who is confident operating in a large blue-collar, site-based environment.

You'll bring:

• Proven HR leadership experience within construction, civil, engineering, infrastructure or another operational environment
• Strong generalist HR experience across both strategic and operational functions
• Demonstrated ER and IR expertise, including experience with Enterprise Agreements and Awards
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial relations
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters and advising senior leaders
• Exposure to workers' compensation and Return to Work processes
• Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge and influence when required
• Experience leading or developing HR teams
• Strong written communication and HR documentation skills
• Experience with HRIS platforms
• A resilient, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach

You won't be suited to a purely corporate or "fluffy" HR environment. This is a hands-on, operational business where credibility, resilience and the ability to stand your ground are essential.

Why Join?

• $210,000 + super
• Work directly with the and senior leadership team
• Lead HR across an established national civil construction business
• Manage and develop an HR team
• Strategic influence combined with genuine hands-on HR exposure across NSW and QLD operations
• 2 days WFH available once established in the role
• Join a business with a strong blue-collar workforce and significant operational footprint
• Opportunity to shape the next stage of the people function

If you're an experienced HR leader who enjoys getting close to the operation, isn't afraid of challenging conversations and wants to make a genuine impact across a growing construction business, we'd love to hear from you.