Job Description
Key leadership role supporting operational leaders
Hands-on HR delivery with room to evolve into strategy
Newcastle based opportunity
Lead meaningful HR work in a business-critical industry, this hands-on role offers real scope to influence culture, support operational leaders, and grow into strategic HR over time.
About the company
This national freight and logistics business plays a critical role in Australia’s rail infrastructure network. With operations spanning multiple states and a long history in regional rail, the organisation is committed to safe, sustainable and reliable services. It’s a business that values adaptability, grounded leadership and the strength of its people to deliver essential freight services that connect industries and communities.
About the opportunity
This hands-on Senior HR business partnering role is ideal for a grounded HR leader who thrives in operational settings and is comfortable balancing strategic partnering with hands-on, foundational HR delivery. Based in Newcastle, you’ll support frontline leaders across the full employee life cycle – including performance and conduct matters.
Initial focus will be managing performance, ER/IR issues, and coaching leaders. As the function embeds, you'll help shape broader initiatives like workforce planning, EA negotiations, onboarding, and organisational development.
Key responsibilities include:
Partnering with operational leaders on recruitment, performance, engagement, and culture
Providing confident, hands-on support across ER/IR, including coaching and enterprise agreement interpretation
Aligning HR activity with operational, safety and training priorities
Contributing to people strategy, continuous improvement, and future initiatives such as L&D frameworks and D&I strategies
Managing complex employee and industrial relations matters confidently and independently in a unionised environment
Delivering foundational HR tasks and Workday system updates as needed
Leading onboarding and induction process improvements over time
Contributing to the ongoing development of the HR function as it matures
The benefits
Step into a role with scope for growth and strategic influence
Ongoing learning and development opportunities to support growth
A recognition program that celebrates individual and team contribution
Access to exclusive retail discounts and cashback offers through a dedicated employee platform
About you
This is a true business partnering role ideal for a HR leader who thrives in operational settings and is ready to be hands-on before stepping into more strategic work.
You’ll stand out if you can demonstrate:
Strong HR generalist experience (7 years +) in ER/IR-intensive environments such as rail, mining, infrastructure or manufacturing
Confidence in guiding leaders through complex employee relations issues, including performance and conduct matters
Willingness to roll up your sleeves and handle transactional HR tasks and systems work when needed
Comfort working across both strategic initiatives and day-to-day transactional HR activity
Maturity, pragmatism and emotional intelligence in your approach to leadership and influence
Experience interpreting and applying enterprise agreements, awards and Fair Work legislation
A grounded approach to career progression letting the role evolve with you
Demonstrated ability to influence and guide operational leaders while maintaining a pragmatic and humble approach
How to apply
For further information, please contact Krystle Parker on krystlep@peoplefusion.com.au or Omali Marshall on omalim@peoplefusion.com.au to request a succession pack.
To apply, submit your cover letter and CV via the link. Panel interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 26th May 2025. Candidates who meet the key requirements will be contacted for an initial phone screen and progressed through the process accordingly.
At peoplefusion we don’t just accept diversity and inclusion —we celebrate it! We strive to create an environment of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, religion or physical ability, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. If you require any assistance with your application please don’t hesitate to contact us.
