Senior HR Manager

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

Job summary

Geosyntec Consultants in Australia seeks a Senior Human Resources Manager to partner with Australian business leaders and execute regional HR priorities within the EMEA HR framework. The role leads HR initiatives, supports acquisitions, and drives employee engagement across multiple offices.

You will collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, L&D, HR Operations, and HRIS to deliver effective HR programs. Travel to project sites will be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years HR experience in professional services.
• Experience in mergers, acquisitions, and integration.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment law.
• Proven senior stakeholder partnership with leaders.
• Experience in multi-office or multinational environments.
• Ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional Australian HR priorities aligned with EMEA strategy.
• Partner with regional HR leadership and business leaders on workforce planning and talent reviews.
• Support HR integration activities during acquisitions.
• Advise managers on employee relations and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with Australian employment laws.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, L&D, HR Operations, HRIS.
• Drive HR policy improvements and service delivery models.
• Analyze HR metrics to support planning and decision making.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to HR staff.
• Travel to offices/projects as required.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic HR

Employee relations

Workforce planning

HR analytics

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR

Advanced degree

HR certification AHRI/CIPD

Tools

HRIS systems

HR analytics tools

Excel

Job description

OverviewGeosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a

OverviewGeosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Human Resources Manager to support our Australian operations. Reporting to the HR Director for the EMEA region, this position will serve as the senior Australia-based HR partner, providing practical and strategic HR support to Australian business leaders, Corporate HR functional teams, and Australian leadership. The position will help execute regional HR priorities, support business growth, organisational effectiveness, employee engagement, and the successful integration of acquired businesses while operating within the broader EMEA HR structure. This position can be based in any of our offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, and offers a collaborative environment where you will help shape the employee experience and support effective delivery of HR services across Australian operations.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and sciences consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address complex challenges involving the environment, natural resources, infrastructure, and energy. Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, client-focused approach, and commitment to professional development.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support execution of regional HR priorities for Australian operations, ensuring people initiatives are aligned with business objectives and delivered consistently with the broader EMEA HR strategy.
• Partner with regional HR leadership and business leaders to support workforce planning, succession planning, talent reviews, and employee development initiatives.
• Coordinate and support HR integration activities associated with acquisitions, including alignment of systems, policies, programs, communications, employee experience, and culture.
• Serve as the senior Australia-based HR partner and key liaison among Australian operations, regional HR leadership, and Corporate HR functional teams.
• Advise and coach managers on employee relations, performance management, employee development, leadership effectiveness, and organisational change.
• Manage and support complex employee relations matters, investigations, disciplinary processes, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and related documentation in close partnership with HR Manager(s), operational leaders, regional HR leadership, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Australian employment legislation, regulations, company policies, and employment practices.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, Learning and Development, HR Operations, HRIS, and other functional groups to ensure the effective delivery of HR programs, services, and initiatives aligned with regional and enterprise priorities.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of HR policies, processes, tools, systems, and service delivery models.
• Analyse workforce and HR metrics to support business planning, talent strategies, and leadership decision‑making.
• Participate in regional or enterprise HR discussions as appropriate, providing Australia‑specific input to support the implementation of HR programs, initiatives, and process improvements.
• Lead or support assigned HR projects related to employee engagement, workforce planning, change management, integration activities, talent development, and process improvement, in partnership with the HR Director for EMEA and relevant HR functional leaders.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and support to assigned HR employees or resources, with performance input provided in coordination with the HR Director for EMEA.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing work environment that supports employee growth and business success.
• Travel periodically to company offices and project locations as required.
  

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources , Business Administration, Organi s ational Development, Psychology, or a related field of study ( preferred ).
• Advanced degree (desirable but not essential).
• Professional HR certification e.g. AH RI, CIPD or equivalent (desirable).

Skills, Experience And Qualifications

• At least 15 years of human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (required).
• Extensive experience in professional services e.g. engineering, environmental services, architecture & design, finance, legal, management consulting, etc. (required).
• Demonstrated success partnering with senior business and HR leaders on strategic workforce and organisational initiatives.
• Experience leading employee relations, workforce planning, succession planning, organisational development, and performance management programs.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, industrial relations principles, and HR best practices.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, integration activities, change management, or large-scale organisational change initiatives (strongly preferred).
• Proven experience delivering HR services within a matrixed, multi-office, or multinational environment, including the ability to operate as a senior country-based HR partner within a broader regional HR structure.
• Experince of working in an international context/environment (required)
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance employee needs with organisational objectives.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience utilising HRIS platforms, workforce analytics, reporting tools, and HR technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, coaching, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, influence change, and drive practical business-focused solutions while working collaboratively within regional and global HR governance frameworks.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required for business purposes.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and people-focused culture.