HR Manager - Operational HR & Workforce Mobilisation

Are you an experienced HR professional with strong knowledge of Australian employment relations, payroll, industrial relations and workforce mobilisation within the construction or infrastructure sector?

MAETEL is looking for a hands-on HR Manager to play a key role in supporting and developing our growing operations across Australia.

This is not a traditional People & Culture role. We are seeking a practical, operational HR professional who is comfortable working closely with employees, site teams, project managers and senior leadership in a dynamic project environment.

About MAETEL

MAETEL is a Spanish multinational construction and engineering company founded in Zaragoza in 2000 and part of COBRA IS, the industrial division of VINCI, one of the world's leading groups in energy, infrastructure and construction.

We specialise in the development and execution of EPC projects across renewable energy, electrical infrastructure, substations, transmission lines and industrial installations. With more than 25 years of international experience, MAETEL delivers major energy and infrastructure projects throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia.

As our Australian operations continue to grow, we are looking for an HR Manager to support our workforce and help drive operational excellence across our projects.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Australian leadership team and working closely with our headquarters in Spain, the HR Manager will oversee the day-to-day HR operations of the Australian business.

The role requires a strong understanding of Australian employment legislation, employee relations, payroll processes and workforce mobilisation.

As an international company, we regularly relocate employees and specialised professionals from different countries to Australia. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the visa procedures for employees in collaboration with our external advisers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employment changes and offboarding.
• Coordinate payroll processes, ensuring compliance with Australian legislation, Awards and applicable EBAs.
• Provide practical HR support and advice to Directors, Project Managers, Site Managers and supervisors.
• Manage employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary processes, performance concerns and workplace disputes.
• Coordinate workers' compensation matters and liaise with insurers and relevant stakeholders.
• Support employee negotiations and workplace issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act, NES, Awards, EBAs and other employment requirements.
• Coordinate employee visa and immigration processes, including applications, renewals, conditions and expiry dates.
• Maintain accurate records relating to employee visas and work rights.
• Support the mobilisation and demobilisation of employees across projects.
• Maintain HR systems, employment records, contracts and HR documentation.
• Work closely with Finance and Operations on payroll, workforce planning and HR administration.
• Implement HR policies, procedures and initiatives established by Australian leadership and the Group.

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• Act as the primary HR link between the Australian business and MAETEL headquarters in Spain.

About You

We are looking for a practical, solutions-focused HR professional who understands the realities of project-based and blue-collar environments.

Essential

• 5+ years' experience in operational HR roles within Australia.
• Previous experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure, utilities or similar blue-collar industries.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, including the Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards (NES).
• Proven experience working with Awards, EBAs, classifications, allowances, overtime and industrial employment conditions.
• Experience managing employee relations matters, disciplinary processes and workplace investigations.
• Experience managing or coordinating workers' compensation claims.
• Strong payroll knowledge and the ability to identify and resolve payroll-related issues.
• Experience coordinating employee visa in Australia.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Interested in relocating to Australia? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in Australia page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

• Fluent English and Spanish (essential).
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise effectively and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a Joint Venture (JV) environment.
• Experience supporting large-scale construction, energy or infrastructure projects.
• Experience within a multinational organisation with overseas headquarters.
• Experience using HRIS and payroll systems such as ELMO, Employment Hero, ADP or similar.
• Experience with international workforce mobilisation.
• Previous involvement in EBA negotiations and industrial relations matters.

Interested?

If you are an HR professional who enjoys being close to the operation, understands blue-collar environments and knows how to get things done, we would love to hear from you.

📩 Apply now and become part of MAETEL's growing Australian team.