Job Description

The Opportunity

The Senior People & Culture Business Partner is a strategic advisor who strengthens engagement, culture and commercial performance by partnering with regional leaders to align people strategy with operational delivery and long‑term business outcomes.

They provide confident, practical HR and employee‑relations guidance that balances employee experience with compliance and commercial risk. A major focus is lifting frontline leadership capability through coaching and hands‑on support so leaders can manage performance, conduct and change effectively.

Using people data, the role links engagement and culture to measurable business results identifying risks, influencing leadership action and prioritising interventions that improve delivery, cost, safety and client satisfaction. They champion a people‑first culture, ensuring engagement and development initiatives are embedded in day‑to‑day operations.

Working closely with operational teams, they drive consistent people practices, strengthen accountability and ensure capability supports reliable, high‑quality service for clients.

What we are looking for

• Tertiary Qualification in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field
• Strong engagement and retention outcomes
• A minimum of seven years of substantial experience in a senior HR/IR role in large, multi-site construction environment
• High level IR/ER management experience including the application and interpretation of industrial instruments and legislation within the Australian legislative framework
• Capabilities associated with complex collective employment agreements within a union environment
• Experience in providing effective strategic HR advice and support to leaders on issues including the development and delivery of cultural change, building talent and capability and coaching
• Delivery of critical HR services including performance management, counselling; workplace investigations
• A consistent, values‑led culture
• Improved delivery reliability, client satisfaction and commercial performance
  

What we offer

• Flexible working environment
• Opportunity for career growth with structured frameworks and supportive-inclusive team
• Competitive Salary and Employee Benefits
• Valued and respected position, with supportive and experienced team
• Work for a major ASX-listed company

About Energy & Utilities…Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

How to apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement.

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.