HR Manager – Manufacturing Site (Melbourne – Outer East)
Hands‑on | Unionised | Operationally Embedded
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced manufacturing HR professional to step into a highly visible, site‑based role where your impact will be felt every day — not from behind a desk, but on the factory floor.
We are partnering with a well‑established Australian manufacturing organisation that is entering a period of stabilisation and cultural renewal following recent change. With deep local heritage and the backing of a global parent, the business is focused on strengthening leadership capability and creating a safe, engaged and high‑performing workforce.
The Role
As the sole HR professional embedded on site, you will be the trusted people partner for leaders, supervisors and employees across a unionised, shift‑based environment.
Reporting to an experienced Chief People Officer, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy while being supported strategically. Your focus will be on translating people strategy into practical, on‑the‑ground outcomes that make a real difference.
This is not a corporate or advisory‑only role. You will be visible, accessible and actively involved in day‑to‑day people matters across all shifts.
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will:
* Provide hands‑on HR support across five sites with the main site being a 5 day, 24‑hour manufacturing operation in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
* Manage employee relations in a unionised, EBA‑covered environment
* Coach and develop supervisors and managers to build confidence and decision‑making capability
* Lead recruitment and onboarding for critical site‑based roles
* Address absenteeism, performance management and grievances with fairness and consistency
* Partner closely with site leadership, safety and employee representatives
* Support engagement, communication and cultural improvement initiatives
* Ensure compliance with employment legislation, EBAs and safety obligations
About You
This role will suit you if you:
* Have strong manufacturing or industrial HR experience
* Have worked in and can manage these relationships constructively
* Are comfortable being on the floor and having real conversations with operators
* Bring a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach rather than a purely policy‑driven style
* Enjoy coaching leaders and building capability, not just fixing problems
* Are confident working autonomously in complex, fast‑moving environments
* Value safety, fairness and respect for the people who do the work
What This Role Is Not
This role will not suit someone who prefers desk‑based HR, avoids difficult conversations, or relies heavily on theoretical frameworks without practical application. Credibility is earned here through presence, consistency and follow‑through.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
* Genuine operational impact in a manufacturing environment
* A visible leadership role during a meaningful period of change
* Strong executive support with day‑to‑day autonomy
* The chance to rebuild trust, capability and engagement on site
* Competitive salary package ($140k–$160k + super + STI)
How to Apply
If you are a manufacturing HR professional looking for a role where you can truly make a difference, we would welcome your application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for a confidential discussion.