Senior People Business Partner, Canberra

GHD; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work practices

Hybrid work model

Diversity and inclusion emphasis

Job summary

GHD seeks a Senior People Business Partner in Canberra to partner with leaders on strategic workforce initiatives and complex people matters. You’ll deliver outcomes by applying HR expertise, commercial thinking and a passion for leadership and employee experiences.

Reporting to the Regional People Leader, NSW & ACT, you’ll drive regional and enterprise-wide people initiatives, support change, and help build inclusive, high-performing teams using data and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

• 12+ years managing complex people matters, including grievances, investigations, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (HR, Business, IR).
• Strategic mindset with ability to translate strategy into practical plans.
• Ability to interpret employment legislation and awards.
• Strong communication, influencing and coaching skills.
• Commitment to prioritising leader and employee experience.
• Curious, adaptable and open to emerging technologies including AI.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to develop and execute people strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Coach and support leaders through complex employee relations matters and organisational change.
• Build leadership capability to foster high-performing, engaged and inclusive teams.
• Lead and contribute to regional and enterprise-wide people initiatives.
• Drive consistency and excellence across the employee experience lifecycle.
• Use data, insights and emerging technologies to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

Skills

People leadership

HR policy

Coaching

Strategic workforce planning

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations

Job description

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live it every day.

We are a global professional services company committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in water, energy, transport, environment and communities. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and we’re looking for an experienced Senior People Business Partner in Canberra to help shape exceptional employee and leadership experiences across our business.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Regional People Leader, NSW & ACT, you will act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, partnering on strategic workforce initiatives and complex people matters while helping to deliver positive outcomes for our people and our business.

You will bring a balanced approach of commercial thinking, strong HR expertise and a genuine passion for helping leaders and teams succeed.

Key areas of impact include:

• Partnering with leaders to develop and execute people strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Coaching and supporting leaders through complex employee relations matters and organisational change.
• Building leadership capability to foster high-performing, engaged and inclusive teams.
• Leading and contributing to regional and enterprise-wide people initiatives.
• Driving consistency and excellence across the employee experience lifecycle.
• Using data, insights and emerging technologies to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

Required Qualifications And Experience

We’re looking for candidates who bring:

• 12 + years experience managing complex people matters, including grievances, workplace investigations, performance improvement, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to translate strategy into practical plans and deliver them successfully.
• The ability to interpret and apply relevant employment legislation, industrial instruments and award provisions.
• Strong communication, influencing and coaching skills, with the confidence to guide and support leaders and mentor team members.
• A genuine commitment to prioritising both leader and employee experience.
• A curious, adaptable and continuous learning mindset, embracing change and emerging technologies, including AI.

Why GHD?

At GHD, you'll be empowered to make a real impact while being supported to grow your career. You'll join a diverse and collaborative team that values curiosity, inclusion, innovation and leadership at every level.

Together with over 12,000 colleagues globally, you'll help create sustainable solutions that improve our communities and future generations.

Join us and be part of something bigger. Together, we'll make an impact that matters.

Applications close on Wednesday 21st October 2026.

GHD is an equal opportunity employer, and we want everyone to be able to fully participate in our recruitment process. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all identities.

GHD embraces a range of flexible work practices to create a work environment focused on well-being, flexibility and productivity where our people can thrive.

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.