Strategic People Lead

About Laing O'Rourke

Laing O'Rourke is a $6 billion international operation with 70 years of involvement in Australian construction and infrastructure, including nearly two decades under the Laing O'Rourke banner. The business delivers projects as diverse as the environments in which they are built, from high security military bases and major rail transport infrastructure projects, through to landmark buildings at the transport interface. Laing O'Rourke owns one of Australia's largest plant and equipment hire company called Select Plant Australia. We know the right culture combined with purposeful technology will help us meet demand and deliver certainty for our clients. That's the #powerofexperience.

About the role

We're currently looking for a Strategic People Lead (HR Business Partner) based in Sydney to support our Strategic Programmes leadership team. This pivotal role serves as the primary link between Strategic Programmes and the broader global People function.

Operating across dual hubs in the UK and Australia, the Strategic People Lead plays a key role in streamlining systems, processes, and policies to ensure consistency and simplicity. The role requires a strong balance of strategic alignment and hands-on delivery, with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to drive growth and transformation.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension or conversion to a permanent position.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Partnering
• Serve as the dedicated People business partner for Strategic Programmes, ensuring seamless access to HR expertise across UK and Australia hubs.
• Simplify cross-hub operations by aligning employment systems, policies, and processes.
• Translate priorities into coordinated People initiatives, minimizing duplication and complexity.
• Anticipate workforce challenges and design practical, globally aligned solutions.
• Monitor People metrics and drive strategic initiatives to meet targets.
• Lead strategic Knowing Our People reviews focused on retention, career progression, and mobility.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
• Act as the central liaison between Strategic Programmes and Hub People teams, fostering trust and alignment.
• Reduce the number of direct HR interfaces for SP leaders.
• Collaborate with Hub teams to set priorities, goals, and a medium-term roadmap.
• Build cross-hub relationships to ensure consistent yet adaptable People strategy delivery.
• Governance & Data
• Deliver tailored People data, analytics, and insights to support decision-making.
• Identify trends and risks, translating them into actionable plans.
• Ensure governance and policy consistency while respecting local compliance requirements.
• Operational Delivery
• Oversee annual employment lifecycle and performance processes.
• Support visa, mobility, and employment conditions in coordination with Hub teams.
• Lead People-related projects, ensuring alignment with local and global objectives.

About you

• Minimum 10 years HR generalist experience in complex, global organisations, preferably in construction, engineering, heavy industry, and particularly start-up environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver unique and practical solutions within broader organisational frameworks.
• Experience in environments with multi-country operations and varying systems and policies.
• Strong ability to navigate ambiguity, complexity, and competing priorities.
• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with a natural ability to keep all parties aligned.
• Strategic and analytical thinker who can also simplify and operationalise plans.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.

Benefits

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. We believe in building careers through providing a safe, connected and innovative culture that supports ongoing growth and development. We offer industry-leading benefits such as specialised learning and development programs, a mental health and wellbeing program, industry leading paid parental leave policy, an additional purchased leave option and coaching programs for staff on parental leave.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. Laing O'Rourke is proud to hold the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Citation - Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Laing O'Rourke actively supports a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan at

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.