HR Operations Manager

Role overview

This position is for a seasoned HR leader who will build and run the people function for a large remote mining operation. Based in Brisbane, the role also involves regular travel to Papua New Guinea. The successful candidate will shape workforce planning, hiring, industrial relations, compliance, performance systems, training, and employee engagement to help the operation stay ready and support a stable, effective workforce over the long term.

Key responsibilities

• Create and maintain workforce plans that match operational needs.
• Direct hiring, onboarding, mobilisation, and day-to-day workforce deployment.
• Handle employee relations and industrial relations matters, including contracts, grievances, and policy administration.
• Make sure HR practices comply with labour laws, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Put in place performance management processes, staff development initiatives, and leadership training.
• Manage compensation and benefits coordination, payroll inputs, and workforce reporting.
• Design and maintain HR systems, dashboards, and governance structures.
• Work closely with operations, community, security, and government stakeholders to achieve workforce goals.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of HR experience, ideally gained in mining, oil and gas, construction, or remote-operating environments.
• Deep experience in workforce mobilisation, industrial relations, and HR compliance.
• Proven ability to build or lead HR functions in complex operational settings.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder coordination, and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business, or a similar field.
• Experience working in Papua New Guinea or comparable jurisdictions will be considered an advantage.

Location and travel

The role is based in Brisbane, Australia, with regular travel required to Papua New Guinea.