The Senior Manager, Human Resources, Australia is responsible for providing strategic leadership in HR in Cook Australia. This role leads a high-performing HR team and serves as a key partner to business leaders in the entity. The position involves driving HR strategy, ensuring compliance with both global standards and local regulations, and fostering a work environment that is supportive, ethical, and maintains high morale. Integrating best practices from global HR functions, the Senior Manager delivers value-added services that support the organization’s objectives and enhance employee engagement. Contribute actively as a key member of the WCA Management Team by providing informed HR insights that support strategic decision-making, workforce risk assessment, organizational change, and overall business performance, while partnering with cross-functional leaders to shape culture, enhance communication, and strengthen employee engagement. Drive alignment with the global HR function by carrying out and championing initiatives that integrate seamlessly with business objectives and regional needs; provide strategic HR leadership through the development, implementation, and oversight of HR programs; serve as a trusted partner to management on HR matters, organizational development, and workforce planning; and lead HR functional projects and company wide initiatives to consistently support evolving business requirements. Lead, mentor, and support the local HR team (includes HRBPs and L&D personnel) to drive high performance and professional growth, while supervising their day‑to‑day workload by setting clear objectives and conducting regular performance appraisals, and organizing cross‑training initiatives to ensure adequate coverage and adaptability across the HR department. Manage complex employee relations matters by conducting thorough and objective workplace investigations, ensure compliance with company policies, Australia labor laws, medical device standards, and ethical guidelines, and work in close partnership with legal counsel and global / regional HR teams to mitigate legal risks and maintain regulatory compliance. Continuously enhance HR policies, procedures, and processes to improve service quality and operational efficiency, while preparing, implementing, and communicating personnel policies and practices that are fully adapted to statutory requirements and aligned with industry best practices. Collaborate with local management team and business leaders to develop and execute business plans that support the organization’s overall strategy, while guiding and coaching managers on performance management, employee engagement, and retention initiatives to strengthen workforce effectiveness and alignment. Lead performance and wage review processes for team members by ensuring robust feedback mechanisms are in place, set and track goals and objectives for the team, and actively recognize employee contributions to foster a supportive and engaging work environment. Oversee recruitment and selection processes by conducting interviews and managing onboarding activities, while also providing guidance on workforce planning, departmental restructures, and succession planning to ensure the organization is equipped with the right talent and prepared for future growth. Ensure compliance with Australian visa and migration requirements for international hires. Ensure the delivery of effective training and development programs for both employees and HR team, while generating tailored training plans, monitoring progress, and facilitating company induction processes to support the successful onboarding of new hires. Ensure compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) training obligations. Maintain in‑depth knowledge of relevant legal requirements, such as but not limited to Australian employment law, Australian pay equity and minimum wage standard, WHS regulations, anti-discrimination legislation, and privacy requirements, while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and ethical policies, including strict adherence to the company’s Code of Conduct and other rules and regulations. Experience in negotiating and administering enterprise agreements, ensuring compliance with Fair Work Commission processes and experience working with Union representatives. Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives aligned with Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) standards. Promote and cultivate a culturally inclusive workplace. Demonstrate foundational understanding of AI concepts, apply ethical principles when using AI tools, and interact confidently with AI-enabled systems as part of routine HR tasks. Other ad hoc duties as assigned by the leadership team. Relevant qualification in Human Resources Management combined with significant experience in a leading HR position. Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, including people management, ideally in a multinational or regulated environment. Extensive experience in strategic HR leadership, employee relations, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and performance management. Experience in mediation and a strong understanding of employment law is required Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with HRIS and other HR systems. This role requires fluency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data concepts, aligned with organizational standards for responsible and effective use. This position will be able to: evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy, completeness, and potential risk enhance existing workflows using approved tools and automations identify bias or made-up information (hallucinations) and apply mitigation steps communicate AI-driven insights to peers and managers in a clear, responsible way Personal Attributes Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing abilities. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in both collaborative and independent settings. Professional appearance and conduct, maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards at all times. Highly self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working with minimal supervision. Calm, receptive, and effective when working in fast-paced situations. Able to build and maintain diverse relationships at all levels of the organization. Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance. Physical and Travel Requirements Works under general office environmental conditions, including sitting for extended periods, computer use, and occasional standing or walking. Willingness and availability for company travel, including some overnight trips as required. Hybrid position requiring onsite presence a minimum of three days per week.
