Senior HR Business Partner

Join the heart of Australian steelmaking and play a defining role in shaping the future of one of the nation's most iconic industrial operations.

Whyalla Steelworks is undergoing a significant transformation with a goal to define the future of Australian Steelmaking - This includes changing industrially, technologically, and culturally.

We are seeking a Senior HR Professional who thrives in complexity, leads with design thinking, and is energised by creating solutions that matter.

We are primarily a blue collar workforce and you will be tested daily, as a Senior HR Partner you will be the figure head for major changes within the People Plan and drive key organisational priorities to regenerate this region.

This is more than a job – it's a chance to help reinvent Australian steel. You'll be part of a passionate, supportive team that believes in creating better ways of working, safer outcomes for our people, and a culture of accountability and growth.

• Competitive salary + relocation support for the right candidate
• Adelaide based with 3 days of travel to Whyalla every fortnight
• Be part of a transformation journey that will impact generations to come

Your Role – More Than Just HR

This is a unique opportunity to operate as a strategic partner and transformation leader, this role is about growth and change. You will work across the full employee lifecycle using a Design, Build, and Run approach:

• Design people solutions grounded in empathy, innovation, and commercial reality
• Build fit-for-purpose initiatives, frameworks, and partnerships that support our industrial workforce and future workforce capability
• Run cyclical activity and embed sustainable, scalable HR solutions that make a measurable impact

You will partner with senior operations and technical leaders to enable performance, lead changes and cultural advancement, and enhance workforce experience.

This is a highly industrial and politically dynamic environment. This role requires courage, conviction, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organisation, including Executives and our key regional community stakeholders.

• Apply design thinking methodologies to solve complex people challenges with creativity and stakeholder engagement
• Drive Organisational Design Reviews, aligned to design principles and intended outcomes
• Lead or support major transformation projects including workforce planning, capability uplift, and cultural change
• Provide strategic HR guidance across IR/ER, workforce engagement, and leadership effectiveness
• Coach new and emerging leaders
• Operate in a complex unionised environment with confidence and respect, influencing outcomes aligned to business strategy
• Drive enterprise-wide HR programs across org design, diversity, capability, talent, and succession and remuneration

• Proven experience in a senior HR role, preferably in heavy industry, manufacturing, or similarly complex environments
• Deep knowledge of Australian industrial relations, and the ability to navigate major workplace change in unionised and politically sensitive landscapes
• Strong capability in strategy execution, with the ability to shift between big-picture thinking and operational delivery
• A mindset of innovation and continuous improvement, grounded in care and commercial insight
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence, challenge, and coach senior stakeholders

OneSteel Manufacturing operates a mining and steel manufacturing business. As Australia's only manufacturer of special grade billet and steel long products we provide solutions for nation-building infrastructure including rail. With State and Federal Government investment, the Whyalla Mining and Steel Manufacturing assets form part of the sovereign security of Australia's manufacturing sector.

Why Work here?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry.

• Work with a greater purpose: Join us in the pursuit of a sustainable future as we progress our ambition to become carbon-neutral. You will contribute to a legacy that not only helps to build our nation but sustains our environment for future generations. Embrace a culture where differences are celebrated, innovation is embraced and valuing everyone's unique perspectives contributes to our transformation.
• Work well - live better: We understand the importance of working in an environment which supports you to balance your personal and professional life. Experience a culture which values you as a whole person - where family extends to the workplace and your well-being matters. You'll thrive not only in your career with us, but beyond.
• Build your own future: Step into a culture where every day is an opportunity to grow, and where driving your own development is not just encouraged; it's expected. You'll be empowered to take the wheel of your learning journey and uncover your potential. The possibilities are limitless.

We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

It is our ambition to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all cultural backgrounds, genders, orientations, age groups, and abilities to apply. Your diversity is our strength in creating sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australia's tomorrow.

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.