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 CEO
- Overseeing 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 for
- 10+ 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, NSW
- 4 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.
National Human Resources Manager in Penrith employer: JK Williams ELMO
At JK Williams, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business that values our people above all else. With a competitive salary package, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive HR team, we offer a dynamic work culture where you can truly make an impact. Join us in Penrith, NSW, and experience unique training opportunities and career advancement in a company recognised as one of Australia's best employers for 2025.
