HR Lead – Manufacturing

Own the HR function in a growing South Australian manufacturer

CEO Consulting Solutions is partnering with a long-established and growing South Australian manufacturer supplying quality building products to many of Adelaide’s leading residential builders.

Following significant investment in upgraded office and production facilities, the business is entering an important period of growth, operational improvement and cultural development.

An opportunity now exists for an experienced and practical HR Lead to take ownership of the internal HR function and support the General Manager, Operations Manager and Production Manager across all people, employment and workplace relations matters.

This is a standalone, hands-on HR role in a genuine manufacturing environment. It requires someone who can confidently interpret Modern Awards and enterprise agreements, manage complex employee relations matters and provide practical, commercially sound advice to operational leaders.

What’s on offer:

- A competitive salary based upon experience, suitability and performance.

- A permanent, full-time position with genuine ownership of the HR function.

- Direct access to and involvement with senior operational leaders.

- The opportunity to improve HR systems, documentation and workplace practices.

- A practical and visible role where your advice and contribution will be valued.

- A stable, established South Australian business with strong growth plans.

- Newly upgraded office and production facilities—and excellent coffee.

Key responsibilities:

- Take day-to-day ownership of the company’s HR function.





- Provide practical HR and employee relations advice to managers.

- Interpret and apply the Manufacturing Award, Modern Awards and the company’s enterprise agreement.

- Support managers in handling difficult employees and complex workplace situations.

- Manage grievances, misconduct matters, workplace investigations and disciplinary processes.

- Prepare and manage performance improvement plans, formal warnings, show-cause processes and other performance management documentation.

- Advise management on procedural fairness, employee risk and appropriate workplace action.

- Maintain employment contracts, position descriptions, policies, procedures and employee records.

- Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, probation reviews and offboarding.

- Support workforce planning, employee engagement and workplace culture initiatives.

- Review and improve HR systems, processes and compliance documentation.

- Assist with workplace health and safety, injury management and return-to-work coordination where required.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

- Substantial generalist HR experience gained in manufacturing, construction, trades, logistics, engineering or another operational workforce environment.





- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Manufacturing Award or a comparable industry Award.

- Practical experience working with multiple Modern Awards and enterprise agreements.

- Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards and contemporary employment practices.

- Proven experience managing complex employee relations matters, including investigations, grievances, misconduct, underperformance and disciplinary action.

- The confidence to provide clear and practical advice to senior managers and frontline operational leaders.

- The judgement and resilience to handle difficult conversations and sensitive workplace situations.

- Robust written skills and experience preparing employment documentation, correspondence, policies and procedures.

- The ability to work independently, prioritise competing matters and follow issues through to completion.

- Relevant qualifications in human resources, industrial relations or employment relations, or substantial equivalent experience.

Manufacturing or closely related operational experience will be highly regarded. Applicants must be able to demonstrate genuine experience working with Awards, enterprise agreements and challenging employee relations matters.

Apply now

If you are a capable, practical HR professional who enjoys working closely with operational managers and taking ownership of workplace matters, we would like to hear from you.

Apply now to help strengthen the people, culture, compliance and performance of a respected South Australian manufacturer.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

📌 HR Lead – Manufacturing (Adelaide)
🏢 CEO CONSULTING SOLUTIONS
📍 Adelaide