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
We're looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our team at JK Williams Group — a construction and civil services business with ~300 employees across NSW and QLD.
This is a genuinely hands-on HRBP role sitting within a lean three-person HR team. You'll partner closely with operational managers and site supervisors across two states, providing confident, practical HR advice across the full employee lifecycle. The role has a strong ER focus, you'll be dealing with real, complex people matters regularly and requires someone who's equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves on the admin side when needed.
If you come from construction, civil, trades, or a similarly hands-on, site-based environment, you'll hit the ground running. If not, you'll need to be someone who thrives in that world and earns credibility fast.
Skills and Experiences:
What you'll be doing
Providing confident, independent HR advice to managers and supervisors on a wide range of ER matters — performance management, misconduct, disciplinary processes, grievances, and terminations
Leading and conducting workplace investigations end-to-end, ensuring procedural fairness and defensible outcomes
Managing return to work and workers' compensation coordination, including liaising with insurers, treating practitioners, and rehab providers to drive positive RTW outcomes
Working closely with the HSEQ team on injury management, safety incident matters, and fitness for duty
Supporting onboarding, induction, and performance review cycles across the business
Maintaining and administering our HRIS (ELMO) and qualification tracking system (Simpel)
Supporting culture and engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and employee feedback processes
Ensuring compliance with the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, and company policy
Handling HR administration and reporting as part of a small, all-in team
Undertaking site visits across NSW and QLD as required
What we're looking for
5–7 years' experience in a generalist HR role, with a strong and demonstrated focus on employee relations
Proven ability to independently manage complex ER matters — you're not just advising, you're leading the process
Hands-on experience conducting workplace investigations from start to finish
Experience with return to work coordination and workers' compensation — ideally in a trade, construction, or hands-on, site-based environment
Confident working with operational managers and site supervisors who are direct, no-nonsense, and time-poor
Strong written communication — able to produce clear, accurate ER documentation, correspondence, and reports
Comfortable being the hands-on person in a lean team — advisory work and admin are both part of the role
Background in construction, civil, trades, mining, or a similarly hands-on, site-based industry is highly preferred
Experience with an HRIS (ELMO or similar) advantageous
Qualifications and licences
Degree or equivalent qualification in Human Resources or a related field
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
A varied, high-impact role with real autonomy
A close-knit, collaborative HR team
The opportunity to make a genuine difference in a growing business
Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your ER experience and why this role is the right fit.
