National Human Resources Manager

Introduction:

About Us

For over 65 years, JK Williams has been more than a civil contractor — we’ve been builders of communities, forgers of lasting relationships, and dedicated to establishing a legacy of excellence across Australia’s east coast.

As a proud family-owned business, we know that our greatest asset isn’t the machinery we operate or the infrastructure we deliver — it’s our people. The dedication, expertise, and commitment of our team is what has made us a recognised leader in civil construction and infrastructure, known for innovation, quality, and integrity.

Our rich history hasn’t just shaped who we are — it’s positioned us for an exciting future. And we want the right people alongside us for the journey.

Description

About The Role

This is a senior, HR Manager role leading the people function at JK Williams Group — a well-established construction and civil services business with approximately 300 employees across NSW and QLD.Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll have full ownership of the HR function and lead a three-person team comprising an HR Business Partner and a Talent Acquisition Specialist.

The role is both strategic and operational — you’ll be shaping people strategy and advising at the executive level one day, and hands-on in the detail of a complex ER matter or FWC conciliation the next.

This is a role for an experienced HR professional who is equally comfortable shaping strategy and getting into the detail — someone who earns credibility quickly in a hands-on, site-based environment and takes genuine ownership of everything from workforce planning to workers’ compensation.

• What You’ll Be Doing
• Partnering with the CEO and senior leadership team to shape and deliver the people strategy across a multi-state construction business
• Leading, coaching, and developing the HR team (HR Business Partner and Talent Acquisition Specialist)
• Managing complex ER matters end-to-end — performance management, misconduct, investigations, terminations, and redundancies
• Representing the business at FWC conciliations and hearings, and coordinating legal support as required
• Providing practical ER and IR advice across both Award-covered and EA environments
• Overseeing workers’ compensation and RTW coordination across NSW and QLD, working closely with the HSEQ team
• Driving culture, engagement, and organisational development initiatives aligned to company values
• Overseeing end-to-end recruitment with the Talent Acquisition Specialist, including salary benchmarking and workforce planning
• Managing HR policy, compliance, and reporting — including monthly HR metrics to the CEOOverseeing the HRIS (ELMO) and ensuring data integrity, system currency, and best practice record-keeping
• Undertaking site visits across NSW and QLD as required
• Skills and Experiences:
• What We’re Looking For10+ years’ HR experience, with demonstrated tenure in a senior HR Manager or equivalent role
• Strong, hands-on ER and IR capability — you’ve managed complex matters independently and know how to navigate FWC processes
• Experience managing workers’ compensation and RTW across multiple states
• Confident working in both Award-covered and Enterprise Agreement environments
• Proven ability to lead and develop an HR team
• The credibility and communication style to work effectively with operational managers, site supervisors, and executive leadership
• Experience in construction, civil, mining, trades, or a similarly hands-on, site-based industry is highly preferred
• Strong written communication — able to produce clear, accurate ER documentation, board-level reports, and policy
• Experience negotiating EA or EBA advantageous
• Experience with an HRIS (ELMO or similar) advantageous

Qualifications

• And Licences
• Degree in Human Resources, Business, Commerce or related field — postgraduate qualification advantageous
• Current driver’s licence (Class C)
• General Construction Induction Card (Whitecard), or willingness to obtain
• Return to Work Coordination training desirable
• What’s On Offer
• Competitive salary package — commensurate with experience
• Permanent full-time role based in Penrith, NSW4 days in the office, 1 day working from home
• Direct reporting line to the CEO with genuine influence over the people agenda
• A varied, high-impact role with full ownership of the HR function
• A close-knit leadership team in a business that genuinely values its people
• Apply now with your resume and a cover letter outlining your ER experience, leadership background, and what draws you to this role.