Why Valvoline Global Operations?
At Valvoline Global Operations, we’re proud to be The Original Motor Oil, but we’ve never rested on being first. Founded in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, staking our claim as a pioneer in the automotive and industrial solutions industry. Today, as an affiliate of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driven by innovation and committed to creating sustainable solutions for a better future.
With a global presence, we develop future-ready products and provide best-in-class services for our partners around the world. For us, originality isn’t just about where we began; it’s about where we’re headed and how we’ll lead the way. We are originality in motion.
Our corporate values—Care, Integrity, Passion, Unity, and Excellence—are at the heart of everything we do. These values define how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we engage with our partners, customers, and the communities we serve. At Valvoline Global, we are united in our commitment to:
- Treating everyone with care.
- Acting with unwavering integrity.
- Striving for excellence in all endeavors.
- Delivering on our commitments with passion.
- Collaborating as one unified team.
When you join Valvoline Global, you’ll become part of a culture that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive and industrial solutions.
Job Purpose
The Head of HR serves as the strategic and operational leader of the HR function across Australia and New Zealand. This role is responsible for delivering integrated HR solutions that align with Valvoline Global Operations’ goals, with direct influence over people strategies including employee relations, talent management, workforce planning, and organisational development.
With a deep understanding of local market practices, labour laws, and the operational context of both sales and manufacturing environments, the Head of HR provides critical guidance to senior business leaders, fosters a high-performance culture, and drives continuous improvement in people practices. This role manages a local HR team and partners cross-functionally to enable business success through its people.
How You Make an Impact (Job Accountabilities)
Strategic Business Partnering and Compliance
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Partner with senior leaders to translate business strategy into aligned HR initiatives.
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Provide expert advice on employment law, HR policy, and organisational design.
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Leverage data-driven insights to inform workforce planning and performance optimisation.
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Ensure effective use of HRIS systems for accurate data management and reporting.
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Lead compliance with all employment legislation and internal policy requirements.
Employee and Industrial Relations
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Serve as the primary contact for guidance on enterprise bargaining agreements, Awards, and legislative obligations.
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Support and coach managers in performance management and workplace relations.
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Lead investigations in coordination with Legal and manage resolution processes.
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Oversee and manage return-to-work programs in collaboration with EHS.
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Negotiate and implement industrial instruments and lead ER strategies to mitigate risk.
Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
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Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to define recruitment strategies and manage the full recruitment lifecycle.
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Ensure effective workforce planning and external benchmarking for critical roles.
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Support onboarding processes and ensure alignment with culture and compliance requirements.
Remuneration and Benefits
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Partner with global Compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
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Support annual compensation processes including salary and bonus program administration.
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Monitor market trends and advise leadership on emerging practices.
Talent Development and Succession Planning
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Work with Talent Development to design and implement learning strategies and leadership development programs.
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Identify high-potential talent and support creation of individual development plans.
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Support succession planning and talent pipeline development for key roles.
Organisational Culture and Employee Engagement
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Champion a positive and inclusive organisational culture aligned with VGO values and leadership behaviours.
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Act as a culture transformation leader and change agent across the ANZ business.
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Lead local deployment of engagement surveys and action planning.
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Influence and drive initiatives that improve the employee experience and team cohesion.
Leadership of HR Function
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Directly lead HR team members including HR Plant Specialist, HR Advisor and HR Specialist, Payroll.
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Provide coaching, career development, and performance management to HR staff.
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Ensure delivery of a cohesive, customer-centric HR service across the region.
What You Bring to the Role (Job Qualifications / Education / Skills / Requirements / Capabilities)
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Psychology, or a related field.
Experience & Skills:
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Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, including HR leadership roles.
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Experience working in both sales/marketing and manufacturing environments.
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Strong understanding of Australian and New Zealand labour laws, EBAs, and industrial frameworks.
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Proficiency in HRIS systems and HR analytics.
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Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, coaching, and collaboration.
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Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
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Highly organized with a strong attention to detail.
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Embodies VGO’s core values and the virtues of being hungry, humble, and smart.
Competencies Desired
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Strategic Thinking – Ability to align HR strategy with business goals and anticipate future workforce needs.
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Influential Leadership – Builds strong relationships and effectively guides leaders through complex people decisions.
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Change Agility – Drives and adapts to organisational change with resilience and a growth mindset.
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Employee Advocacy – Champions a fair, respectful, and engaging work environment.
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Analytical Insight – Leverages data to drive evidence-based HR decisions and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements / Travel Requirements
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
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Based in a general office setting; must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 80% of the time.
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Regular use of standard office equipment and computer systems.
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This is a hybrid role based in Baulkham Hills, Australia, with a minimum of one day per week required in the Wetherill Park office.
Travel Requirements:
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Approximately 20% travel within Australia and New Zealand
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Occasional travel for leadership meetings or enterprise-level HR initiatives
Benefits Of Joining The Valvoline Team
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Competitive Remuneration Package: Generous base salary + 12% super + bonus incentive program & 20% annual leave loading
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Wellbeing: 2 paid wellness days per year & access to our Employee Assistance Program
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Recognition Programs: Annual ANZ Award Ceremony & Hands on Expertise Awards quarterly
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Endless Opportunities: Global career opportunities, ongoing training & development & access to LinkedIn Learning
Additional Information
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Applicants should submit a current resume
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The successful candidate must complete a pre-employment background/criminal history checks for any items which may be relevant to the duties of the role
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Applicants must be authorised to work in Australia, and must live in the geographical location of the position
Valvoline Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.
We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout our recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact us at:.
This contact information is solely for accommodation requests. For inquiries about application status, please use the appropriate channels listed in your application materials.
Are You Ready to Make an Impact?
At Valvoline Global, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our journey of innovation and excellence. Are you ready to shape the future with us? Apply today.
Requisition ID: 2516
