USVD is a premier Talent acquisition and recruitment company with offices in Sydney NSW and India, and we specialize in mid to senior level appointments across engineering, industrial, equipment and heavy commercial vehicle sectors.

We have been retained by one of the largest Engineering and Construction companies listed in India, with a diversified portfolio of projects worldwide, in Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D), Buildings & Factories, Water Supply & Irrigation, Railways, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Urban Mobility (Flyovers & Metro Rail), Highways and Airports in over 75+ countries.

Now that the company is expanding in power transmission and distribution projects in Australia, we are looking to recruit an experienced HR & IR leader to be based in Sydney and steer the HR strategy and operations. You will report into the Country Head Australia with a dotted line reporting in EVP HR in Mumbai, India.

The HR & IR Manager will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop and implement workforce strategies, manage industrial relations issues, and ensure the company remains compliant with Fair Work Australia and other legislative requirements. This role is instrumental in maintaining a harmonious work environment, handling collective bargaining agreements, and driving HR best practices across multiple construction sites. Key responsibilities are outlined as under:

HR Leadership & Strategy:

Lead and manage all HR operations, including recruitment, employee engagement, and workforce planning, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that comply with Australian labour laws and construction industry standards.

Oversee employee lifecycle management, including onboarding, performance management, development, and off boarding processes.

Advise senior management on HR-related issues, including policy development, workforce planning, and organizational design

Industrial Relations (IR) Management:

Manage industrial relations strategies, including negotiating enterprise agreements (EBA), resolving disputes, and maintaining positive relationships with unions and employees.

Provide expert advice on compliance with Fair Work Australia regulations and construction-related industrial relations matters.

Develop and implement proactive industrial relations strategies to minimize the risk of industrial action and foster harmonious workplace relations.

Represent the company in negotiations with unions, employees, and external bodies, ensuring fair and balanced outcomes for all parties.

Workforce Planning & Development:

Collaborate with project managers to develop effective workforce planning strategies that align with project timelines and business needs.

Identify and implement talent management initiatives, including training and development programs, to build leadership capabilities and improve employee retention.

Develop performance management systems that encourage high performance, align with the company's goals, and promote continuous improvement.

Deployment of Overseas Blue-collar worker as per project need and resource availability for projects, and coordination with immigration consultant.

Formulate strategy and working plan for Cultural integration of expat staff and workers within organization and JV team.

Manage expat VISA and Work Permit processing.

Compliance & Risk Management:

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, and National Employment Standards.

Manage all HR and IR risks, including handling disputes, grievances, and terminations, while ensuring legal compliance and mitigating risks.

Oversee health and safety programs and ensure that the company complies with Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards within the construction industry.

Experience & Qualifications:

10-15 years of HR and industrial relations experience, ideally within the construction industry or a related sector.

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).

Strong understanding of Australian labor laws, Fair Work Act, and construction industry standards.

Extensive experience managing enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs), union negotiations, and dispute resolution.

Previous experience working in a unionized environment within the construction or infrastructure industry.

Previous experience in greenfield projects is a plus.