P&O Business Partner

Mars; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to support the Botany site integration and drive people strategy across organizational design, talent development, and employee relations. You will partner with site leaders, lead change, and ensure a strong people culture during a period of transformation.

The role requires 5+ years in HRBP/Generalist roles within manufacturing or operations, with expertise in EA/EBA, labor relations, and data-driven OD initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR Business Partner or Generalist experience, ideally in supply, manufacturing or operations-heavy environments.
• Solid grasp of manufacturing dynamics (production, safety, quality, cost) and people strategies.
• Experience navigating enterprise agreements (EA/EBA) and working with union stakeholders and ER matters.
• Proven ability to partner with senior site leaders, coaches, and drive performance.
• Proficiency with people analytics to diagnose root causes and drive OD solutions.
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Strategic partnership with Plant Director and Factory Management Team to design people strategies aligned with site objectives.
• Lead integration of Botany site into Mars Snacking operating model and embed new ways of working.
• Co-lead EA strategy and negotiations; foster positive union and associate relations.
• Facilitate talent and succession planning cycles; build pipelines for mission-critical roles.
• Drive organizational effectiveness within Mars Supply Excellence and partner with Centers of Excellence.

Skills

HRBP experience

Manufacturing context

Union relations

Leadership coaching

People analytics

Industrial relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/IR/Business

Job description

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

At Mars Snacking, we believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Our iconic brands bring moments of everyday happiness to millions across the globe—and behind every product are our passionate, talented Associates.

This role plays a key role in supporting the Botany site's integration into Mars Snacking (following the acquisition of Kellanova by Mars) and will lead the people agenda through significant cultural, organisational and operational change. Working closely with site leaders, the P&O Business Partner will drive adoption of new ways of working, build leadership capability and support strategic transformation initiatives across the site.

Reporting directly to the Senior P&O Business Partner – Technical Functions and sitting as a trusted advisor to the Factory Management Team (FMT), you will translate business strategy into tangible outcomes across organizational design, talent development, culture integration, and positive employee relations.

What are we looking for?

• Progressive HR / P&O Experience: 5+ years of progressive HR Business Partner or Generalist experience, ideally with demonstrated success in supply, manufacturing, or operations-heavy environments.
• Manufacturing & Operational Acumen: A solid grasp of manufacturing dynamics (production, safety, quality, and cost) with the ability to design people strategies that solve real factory-floor challenges.
• Industrial & Employee Relations Savvy: Demonstrated experience navigating enterprise agreements (EA/EBA), collaborating constructively with union stakeholders, consultative committees (JCC), and resolving complex ER matters.
• Strategic Influence & Trusted Coaching: Proven ability to partner with, challenge, and coach senior site leaders, line managers, and operational teams to elevate leadership capability and performance.
• Data-Driven Insights: Confidence in using people analytics and workforce data to diagnose root causes, identify trends, and implement actionable organizational development (OD) solutions.
• Education & Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Strategic Business Partnership: Partner closely with the Plant Director and Factory Management Team to design and execute people strategies aligned with the site Compelling Business Need (CBN) and Mars Snacking objectives.
• Integration & Change Leadership: Lead the ongoing integration of the Botany site into the Mars Snacking operating model, embedding signature ways of working, driving continuous improvement, and preserving site culture strengths.
• Employee Relations & Advocacy: Co‑lead the Enterprise Agreement (EA) strategy and negotiations alongside site leadership; foster proactive, positive union and associate relations whilst acting as an escalation point for complex ER and grievance matters.
• Talent, Succession & Capability Uplift: Facilitate the annual talent and succession planning cycles (Mars Development Review); build robust talent pipelines for mission‑critical roles, map out career pathways, and upskill factory frontline leaders.
• Organizational Effectiveness & MSE: Spearhead the People Pillar priorities within Mars Supply Excellence (MSE), drive associate engagement, reduce turnover, and partner with functional Centres of Excellence (Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Inclusion & Diversity, Health & Wellbeing).

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.