People Lead

Laing O'Rourke; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & development programs

Mental health & wellbeing program

Paid parental leave

Purchased leave option

Parental leave coaching

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is recruiting a People Lead for the Eastern Freeway project based in Melbourne, VIC. You will deliver operational HR services across the EBTA project, leading a team of HR professionals to ensure compliant, high‑quality HR support and a positive employee experience.

You will manage workforce planning, performance processes and engagement initiatives, while partnering with project leaders to address employee issues and risks and implement improvements across HR service delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a generalist HR Senior Advisory role, ideally in project construction or heavy industry.
• Tertiary qualification in Human Resource Management or equivalent.
• Experience with employee relations, workforce engagement, subcontractors and unions.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• Solid knowledge of relevant workplace legislation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational HR agenda aligned with alliance strategy and project priorities.
• Oversee workforce planning, redeployment, transition support and industrial compliance.
• Manage performance cycle processes including goal setting and development planning.
• Drive engagement surveys, analysis, reporting and action planning with leadership.
• Collaborate with project leadership to advise on employee issues and risk.
• Identify process improvements to enhance HR service delivery.

Skills

HR leadership

Generalist HR

Employee relations

Workforce planning

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors or above in HRM or equivalent

Job description

About Laing O'Rourke

Laing O'Rourke is a $6 billion international operation with 70 years of involvement in Australian construction and infrastructure, including nearly two decades under the Laing O'Rourke banner. The business delivers projects as diverse as the environments in which they are built, from high security military bases and major rail transport infrastructure projects, through to landmark buildings at the transport interface. Laing O'Rourke owns one of Australia's largest plant and equipment hire company called Select Plant Australia. We know the right culture combined with purposeful technology will help us meet demand and deliver certainty for our clients. That's the #powerofexperience.

About the opportunity

The Victorian Government is upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne's first dedicated busway. These changes will slash travel times and improve public transport in Melbourne's east.

Laing O'Rourke is part of the Eastern Freeway - Burke to Tram Alliance with Major Road Projects Victoria, Symal, Arcadis and WSP. Our scope of work includes a new interchange connecting the Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels, major road and bridge upgrades between Burke Road and Tram Road, smart traffic management technology upgrades and new noise protection to meet Victoria’s toughest traffic noise standards. The local community will also benefit from new and upgraded walking and cycling connections, upgrades to Koonung Creek Reserve and revitalised wetlands and open spaces.

About the role

We are currently seeking a People Lead, join us on the Eastern Freeway - Burke to Tram Alliance. based in Melbourne, VIC. Reporting to the Head of People, Capability and Inclusion, the role is accountable for delivering operational HR services and processes across the EBTA Project.

Leading a team of HR professionals, this role ensures consistent, compliant, and high-quality HR services to support the delivery of project outcomes and a positive employee experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the operational HR agenda, ensuring alignment with Alliance people strategy and project priorities.
• Oversee workforce planning activities, including consultation, redeployment, transition support, and compliance with industrial obligations.
• Manage the full Alliance performance cycle, including goal setting, mid-cycle reviews, performance calibration, and development planning.
• Drive the delivery and follow-up of the Annual Engagement Survey, including analysis, reporting, and action planning with leadership teams.
• Foster a high-performance team culture that is collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Partner with leaders to enhance employee engagement, culture, and wellbeing.
• Provide expert advice on HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation.
• Work in close collaboration with the project leadership team to identify, manage and provide advice on employee issues and risks.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance HR service delivery.

About you

• Minimum of 5+ years experience in a generalist Human Resources Senior Advisory role with experience gained in a Project Construction or Heavy Industry environment.
• A tertiary qualification in Human Resource Management or equivalent.
• Understanding of employee relations and experience engaging with workforce, subcontractors and unions.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with an ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral) with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant workplace legislation.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• An ability to work well in a team and autonomously.

Benefits

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. We believe in building careers through providing a safe, connected and innovative culture that supports ongoing growth and development. We offer industry-leading benefits such as specialised learning and development programs, a mental health and wellbeing program, industry leading paid parental leave policy, an additional purchased leave option and coaching programs for staff on parental leave.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. Laing O'Rourke is proud to hold the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Citation - Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Laing O'Rourke actively supports a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan at https://www.laingorourke.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.