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Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Job Title: Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Contract Type: Permanent Recruitment
Location: Newcastle
Specialisation:
Reference: 9321131
Contact Name: Krystle Parker
Contact Email: krystlep@peoplefusion.com.au
Job Published: May 09, 2025 16:37

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.
  
Applications Close date:
  
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.