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 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.
