A privately‐owned, design‐focused construction group is seeking an experienced
HR Manager
to lead the people function across a diverse workforce spanning high‐end residential construction, landscape architecture, landscape building, garden maintenance and specialist joinery operations.
The group operates as a collection of small businesses that function as one integrated organisation.
With ~190 employees (growing to ~210), the environment is practical, quality‐driven and down‐to‐earth — with a mix of trades, project managers, designers and shared services.
This is a pivotal moment for the business.
The HR function has been heavily operational due to team gaps and high recruitment volume.
The owners now want HR to play a more proactive role in workforce planning, leadership support and organisational structure.
The Prospect
This role suits someone who enjoys the blend:
hands‐on HR delivery with genuine strategic influence
.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, operations and finance to shape how the organisation evolves, consolidate entities, and introduce stronger governance.
You'll be the person who brings clarity, consistency and maturity to HR — without unnecessary corporate layers.
Key Responsibilities
Lead HR operations across multiple business units
Coach managers and directors through performance, behaviour and ER matters
Manage recruitment across trades, project managers and shared services
Partner with senior leaders on workforce planning and future pipeline
Support consolidation of entities and introduction of governance
Build consistency across contracts, onboarding, compliance and processes
Work closely with operations and finance on structural improvements




Lead and develop the HR Advisor/Coordinator
Lift leadership capability across a diverse workforce
Reduce reliance on sole traders and strengthen direct labour practices
The Environment
~75% trades / site‐based workforce
~25% project managers, designers, architects and shared services
Multiple awards (construction, joinery, landscape) but generally paid above award
Directors with autonomy and varied people capability
A culture that values craftsmanship, design, practicality and straightforward communication
A structure that is evolving and will benefit from someone who can bring cohesion and direction
Who You Are
You're a strong HR generalist who is comfortable in construction, trades, manufacturing or similar environments.
You know how to build trust with senior leaders, influence without ego, and bring structure to a business that is growing quickly.
You're polished enough to operate at senior level, but grounded enough to work effectively with trades and site‐based teams.
Commercial, pragmatic, emotionally intelligent.
Assertive but diplomatic.
Structured but not corporate.
What You Bring
HR generalist capability across recruitment, ER, performance, awards and coaching
Experience supporting blue‐collar or trade‐heavy workforces
Ability to influence senior leaders with different styles
Comfort working across multiple entities or complex structures
Strong judgement and relationship‐building skills
Ability to balance operational load with strategic uplift
A practical, down‐to‐earth communication style
Salary & Flexibility
Mid to High one hundred's + Super
Open to 4 or 5 days
Hybrid flexibility available
Based in Eastern Suburbs (south)

📌 Hr Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Capability Hr
📍 Sydney