HR Manager – Hands-on HR leadership in a complex, multi-site environment
About This Position…
This is an operational HR Manager position with a strong hands-on focus.
You will be responsible for overseeing core HR functions while acting as a trusted point of contact for leaders and employees during a period of organisational complexity and change.
Rather than driving large-scale transformation, your primary mission will be to create stability, ensure compliance, and support leaders with sound, practical HR guidance.
Job Summary
We are seeking a practical and calm HR Manager to stabilise and strengthen day-to-day people operations across a growing, multi-site organisation.
This role is ideal for an experienced HR generalist who is comfortable working close to the business, navigating different stakeholder expectations, and bringing structure, consistency, and clarity to HR operations.
What does your next role look like?
HR Operations & Compliance
* Manage end-to-end HR operations across multiple sites
* Respond to day-to-day HR enquiries from employees and managers
* Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, and compliance documentation
* Ensure alignment with Fair Work, NES, Awards, and workplace legislation
* Oversee HR reporting including onboarding, turnover, and compliance metrics
Employee Relations Coordination
* Provide first-level advice on attendance, conduct, and performance matters
* Prepare documentation, correspondence, and meeting notes as required
* Manage escalation of complex ER matters to senior leadership and external specialists
* Ensure confidentiality, procedural fairness, and consistency at all times
Recruitment, Onboarding & Offboarding
* Coordinate recruitment processes for allocated roles
* Manage contracts, onboarding documentation, inductions, and system access
* Support new starters through their initial employment period
* Coordinate exit processes, documentation, and company property returns
Team & Stakeholder Support
* Lead and support HR team members, providing clear direction and prioritisation
* Work closely with senior stakeholders across the business
* Liaise with external providers where required to support HR delivery
* Navigate differing communication styles, approval processes, and expectations across local and offshore stakeholders
Projects & Continuous Improvement
* Identify gaps in HR processes, policies, and documentation
* Support HR-related projects as directed by executive leadership
* Contribute to improving consistency, structure, and clarity across HR practices
A little about you…
You are a steady, pragmatic HR professional who brings confidence without ego.
You will likely have:
* 4–7 years’ experience in a generalist or operational HR role
* Strong working knowledge of Australian employment legislation and compliance
* Experience supporting multi-site or fast-paced operational environments
* A calm and respectful communication style, even in challenging situations
* Confidence working closely with senior leaders while remaining hands-on
* Comfort operating in organisations with overseas stakeholders or differing decision-making styles
* Experience in industries such as retail, automotive, hospitality, trades, or similarly operational sectors will be highly regarded.
Location…
Melbourne Inner City (East)
Working Hour…
8:00 or 9:00 start through to 17:00 or 18:00 finish (start and finish times can be adjusted by agreement)
Salary range…
Up to 200K (including Superannuation)
Working flexibility…
On-site role (working from home is not available under company policy)
Start From…
ASAP preferred
Application due date…
Friday, 30 January
What this opportunity offers…
* A genuinely hands-on HR leadership role with real impact
* Exposure to complex stakeholder environments without unrealistic expectations
* A stable, long-term opportunity within a growing organisation
* The chance to bring structure and calm to HR operations where it is truly needed
Next Step
If you are an HR professional who enjoys being close to the business and making HR work practically and responsibly, we would welcome your application.