We currently have an opportunity for a Senior People & Culture Business Partner to join our Defence Major Projects team in Sydney CBD or Melbourne. The Senior People & Culture Business Partner plays a critical role in driving People & Culture initiatives and ensuring successful project delivery for the allocated initiative and stakeholder group.
This role is specifically aligned to the full employee lifecycle of the Downer contribution to the important and highly-visible Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture Project (RRJV). This Defence Infrastructure and Construction Project is a long-term initiative, delivered through a 50/50 Joint-Venture with Downer’s partner, CPB Contractors.
The role will require some travel (as required), between the Project Management Office (PMO) offices (Sydney and Melbourne) and the three major Defence project sites:
Albury Wodonga Military Area (AWMA)
RAAF Base Wagga (RBW)
Blamey Barracks Kapooka (BBK)
Our mission is to deliver three successful projects providing best value for money outcomes for the Commonwealth and the base end users, while providing safe, rewarding, and fulfilling careers for our people.
What you’ll do
The role has a broad remit, with key responsibilities outlined below:
Represent the HR function of both Downer and CPB Contractors as the HR Lead on the RRJV Project Senior Leadership Team.
Lead and manage People & Culture projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budget, and quality standards.
Support the full employee lifecycle for the RRJV, including workforce planning, talent mapping, remuneration alignment, and engagement initiatives.
Provide advisory support and coaching to managers on employee relations, workplace investigations, and compliance training.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver people programs and cultural enablement initiatives aligned with project goals.
What you’ll bring
Degree qualified in Business, Human Resources, Organisational Psychology or a related discipline.
Currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, ADF Baseline Clearance as a key requirement
Certification in Change Management, or relevant related experience, will be highly valued
Proven experience in operational HR within engineering or construction environments, supporting large and diverse teams of 300+ employees.
Strong knowledge of HR principles, Fair Work Act, enterprise agreements, and employment legislation.
Certification in Change Management, or equivalent experience, demonstrating your ability to lead and support transformation initiatives
More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.
Spotless Management Services Pty Ltd (a Downer Company) is delivering the works as part of a joint venture with CPB Contractors Pty Ltd. Accordingly we will share your Personal Information, to the extent necessary, for the purpose of recruitment for the joint venture with CPB Contractors Pty Ltd who are required to handle that information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Why Downer?
At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.
What It Means to Belong at Downer
We’re proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:
Training and development to support and diversify your career.
With 30% of vacancies filled internally you’ll find real opportunities to advance your career.
Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.
Downer Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.