HR Business Partner, Manufacturing

Job Purpose 

The HR Business Partner, Manufacturing serves as the primary HR partner for the Wetherill Park manufacturing facility and Australian warehouse operations. This role partners closely with leaders to deliver practical HR solutions across employee and industrial relations, workforce planning, performance management, compliance, engagement, and organisational initiatives that support a safe, productive, and high-performing workforce. 

How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities) 

Employee Relations & Workforce Support 

• Provide guidance to employees and leaders on HR policies, procedures, employment matters, and workplace concerns.  

• Support performance management, attendance management, disciplinary processes, and workplace investigations.  

• Foster positive employee and labour relations through consistent application of company policies, employment practices and enterprise agreement provisions.  

• Support employee engagement initiatives and foster a positive workplace culture. 

Compliance & Industrial Relations 

• Support compliance with Australian employment legislation, enterprise agreements, awards and company policies.  

• Assist leaders in interpreting and applying enterprise agreement provisions and employment conditions. 

• Support employee and union-related matters, consultation processes, and workplace discussions in partnership with HR leadership. 

• Assist with audits, reporting requirements, policy implementation, and return-to-work processes. 

• Monitor workplace trends and escalate employee or labour relations risks as appropriate.   

Operational Partnership & Continuous Improvement 

• Maintain a visible presence within plant and warehouse operations to understand workforce needs and build strong working relationships.  

• Collaborate with leaders and EHS partners to support a safe work environment.  

• Monitor HR metrics and identify opportunities to improve HR processes and employee experience.  

• Participate in HR and business improvement initiatives. 

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning 

• Support recruitment activities including interviewing, selection and onboarding of plant and warehouse employees. 

• Support workforce planning and staffing requirements in partnership with site leaders.  

• Assist with performance review, development, and training processes.  

• Maintain employee records and HR documentation in compliance with company and legal requirements.  

What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities) 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Relations, or related field preferred.  

• 3 - 6+ years of HR experience, preferably in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or industrial environments.  

• Experience supporting unionised workforces. 

• Experience supporting employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and HR administration.  

• Working knowledge of Australian employment legislation, awards, and industrial relations practices. 

Skills & Capability 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.  

• Ability to coach and support frontline leaders.  

• Sound problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.  

• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.  

• Proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.  

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.  

• Ability to analyse workforce data and identify trends. 

Competencies Desired 

1. Builds Partnerships - Develops effective working relationships with leaders and employees to support business and workforce needs. 

2. Employee Focus - Provides responsive and practical HR support while promoting a positive employee experience. 

3. Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively, adapting approach to different audiences. 

4. Continuous Improvement - Identifies opportunities to improve processes and enhance efficiency. 

5. Accountability - Takes ownership of responsibilities and delivers quality results in a timely manner. 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:  

• This is a full-time, onsite position based at the Wetherill Park manufacturing facility, requiring attendance five days per week. 

• Requires routine movement throughout production and distribution facilities and use of required PPE.  

• Exposure to manufacturing and warehouse environments including noise, temperature variations, and operational activity.  

Travel Requirements:  

• Domestic travel within Australia as needed (approx. 5-10%)