Drone Forge operates at the intersection of advanced systems; commercial and government engagement; and highly regulated industries. We support defence, government (local, state, federal and Asia–Pacific regional), mining, oil & gas, fisheries, natural resources, and utilities sectors.
As we enter our next stage of growth, we are seeking a hands-on and strategic Human Resources Officer (HRO) to build and lead our People & Culture function while shaping the long-term workforce strategy of a fast-evolving organisation.
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of the People function from the ground up in a company that values loyalty, care, high standards, and disciplined execution.
About the Role
The Human Resources Officer will play a key role in managing people operations, workforce compliance, and strategic HR initiatives. This position requires experience in structured, regulated, and contract-driven environments.
You will work closely with executive leadership to ensure HR systems, policies, and workforce planning align with Drone Forge's corporate structure, commercial obligations, and industry requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Build and execute a People & Culture strategy aligned with business growth objectives
Shape organisational design, reporting structures, and governance frameworks
Lead workforce planning to support expansion across multiple regions
Drive culture, engagement, and organisational development initiatives
Lead change management across a scaling, evolving enterprise
Contribute to strategic business planning from a human capital perspective
Advise the Executive Leadership Group on people strategy and organisational future direction
Operational & Governance Leadership
Establish and mature HR systems, policies, processes, and documentation frameworks
Ensure compliance with Australian employment law, awards, EBAs, industrial relations obligations, and relevant international frameworks
Oversee employment contracts, contractor arrangements, and remuneration frameworks
Manage end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, inductions, and employee lifecycle processes
Support investigations, grievance resolution, disciplinary processes, and performance management
Maintain HR governance systems including compliance registers, audits, reporting, and qualification tracking
Support workforce risk management, security clearance processes, and confidentiality standards
Provide day-to-day HR advisory support to leadership and employees
Oversee company payroll functions
Oversee and manage site inductions for location-specific industry operations
Capability & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and uplift an emerging HR function
Set the strategic direction for Learning & Development (delivery managed operationally by others)
Develop simple, practical, scalable HR frameworks suited to a high-performance environment
Promote a consistent, positive employee experience across all sites
Essential Experience & Background
Senior HR leadership experience, ideally within regulated or contract-driven sectors
Strong knowledge of Australian employment law, awards, EBAs, and industrial relations
Experience managing HR within structured corporate or complex governance environments
Commercial acumen with understanding of contractual, legal, and corporate structures
Proven experience leading change within growing or evolving organisations
Experience supporting multi-site or national operations
Profile
The successful candidate is both strategic and operational — someone who thrives in building environments, solving complex workforce challenges, and guiding organisations through growth.
You will demonstrate:
A people-first leadership philosophy grounded in loyalty, accountability, and care
A commercial, practical mindset that understands resource constraints
Ability to design clear, enabling HR processes without unnecessary bureaucracy
Passion for developing capable, loyal, high-performing teams
Confidence operating within executive and board-level discussions
Understanding of family-business dynamics within a structured corporate environment
High discretion and professionalism in regulated, security-conscious sectors
What We Offer
Executive-level influence in a fast-scaling technology organisation
Direct impact on organisational design, culture, and long-term growth
Exposure to defence, government, and critical infrastructure sectors
If you are an experienced HR leader ready to build, shape, and scale a People & Culture function in a complex and high-growth environment, we invite your application via Seek.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience in regulated or contract-driven industries.
Proven experience in a Human Resources role within structured or regulated industries
Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance frameworks
Experience managing employment contracts and contractor agreements
Understanding of corporate structures, governance models, and reporting frameworks
Commercial awareness and business acumen
High level of discretion and confidentiality
Highly Desirable
Experience working with defence or government procurement environments
Exposure to multi-jurisdictional operations within the Asia–Pacific region
Background in legal, contractual, or corporate advisory roles
Experience supporting rapid-growth or technology-driven organisations
Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong organisational skills
Confident communicator capable of engaging at executive level
Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills
Professional, ethical, and highly reliable
Comfortable operating in structured and security-conscious environments
What We Offer
Competitive base salary + performance incentives
High-impact role within a growth-stage aviation technology company
Strategic influence over supplier partnerships and commercial architecture
Exposure to defence, government, and critical infrastructure industries
International supplier engagement
Flexible working arrangements
Opportunity to help shape Drone Forge's operational foundations as we scale
Why Join Drone Forge?
Drone Forge operates at the intersection of aviation, technology, and mission-critical services. As an emerging company, we are building durable capability and long-term partnerships that will underpin our growth across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
This role is suited to a commercially sharp professional who enjoys building structure, creating strategic advantage, and playing a formative role in a company's expansion.
If you are motivated by ownership, complexity, and the opportunity to build something meaningful, we invite you to apply.
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