Are you an experienced HR leader ready to shape and lead the people function supporting Canberra’s Light Rail network? Join CMET and play a key role in delivering strategic, practical and high-impact HR outcomes.
Who We Are
Canberra Metro Operations (CMET) is proud to operate, maintain and promote Canberra’s light rail network—delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused public transport for the ACT.
We’re a diverse team committed to safety, continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery. As the network grows, we are continuing to strengthen how we support our people, leaders and organisational capability. This role is central to that mission.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior HR Business Partner to lead the human resources function at CMET.
This is a senior, hands-on role leading a small HR function, with accountability for delivering both strategic and operational HR outcomes across the full employee lifecycle. You will partner closely with the Senior Leadership Team to provide expert advice, drive workforce initiatives, and ensure HR practices align with business objectives.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and influence HR strategy within a dynamic, safety-critical and operational environment. You will also provide HR leadership across the organisation and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
What You Will Be Doing
* Leading the HR function at CMET, delivering both strategic and operational outcomes across the employee lifecycle
* Partnering with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on workforce planning, engagement and key HR initiatives
* Managing end-to-end employee relations matters, including investigations, grievances, disciplinary processes and terminations
* Leading industrial relations, including union engagement, EA negotiations and agreement interpretation
* Developing and maintaining HR policies and ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice
* Managing recruitment, onboarding, and workforce capability needs
* Overseeing WHS and workers compensation, including return to work outcomes
* Leading remuneration processes, including salary reviews and internal equity considerations
* Coaching and supporting leaders to build capability in people management
* Managing HR systems, records and compliance requirements
* Building strong stakeholder relationships across the business and with external partners
We're Looking For Someone With
* Tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Employment Law, Business Administration or equivalent experience (postgraduate qualification desirable)
* 5+ years’ experience in a senior HR leadership role, supporting or working closely with executive leadership
* 10+ years’ experience across the full HR lifecycle in a generalist capacity (AHRI membership or certification desirable)
* Strong industrial relations experience, including Enterprise Agreement negotiations, union engagement, and EA/award interpretation and application (experience in public transport or a regulated environment desirable)
* Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters end-to-end, including investigations, disciplinary matters and terminations
* Experience managing WHS and workers compensation, including case management and oversight of premiums
* Proven ability to influence, negotiate and make sound decisions in complex and high-pressure environments
* Experience operating within contractual, commercial or compliance-driven environments
* Demonstrated experience supporting organisational compliance with industry standards or accreditation frameworks (e.g. ISO 9000)
Why You’ll Love Working At CMET
We offer more than just a job, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on people, culture and organisational outcomes within a growing public transport network.
* Job security in a growing essential service
* Professional development and career growth opportunities
* Free secure on-site parking
* Healthy work-life balance
* Salary sacrificing and packaging + novated leasing
* Paid parental leave & EAP support services
* Employee Referral Program
* A collaborative culture that values people, innovation and community
Ready To Apply?
If you’re passionate about leading HR in a dynamic operational environment and want to play a key role in supporting Canberra’s light rail network, we’d love to hear from you.
Click Apply Now and upload your resume and a short cover letter.
Recruitment will include background checks, verification of work rights and qualifications, and a pre-employment medical.
We strongly encourage applications from women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Visit cmet.com.au to learn more about us.