About Us

With over 25 years of experience across Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Whittens is a family-owned national Australian civil construction contractor. We deliver both large-scale and technically complex FRP, concrete, earthworks and civil infrastructure projects for major mining and infrastructure clients.

Built on strong relationships and a team-focused culture, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful workplace where our people can develop their skills and contribute to successful project outcomes.

An opportunity is available for an experienced Head of People & Culture to join our team in Maroochydore on a 9-month fixed term contract, providing maternity leave cover from October 2026.

This is a hands-on role within a busy, project-based environment, working closely with senior leaders and managers to provide practical HR and IR support across the business.

About the Role

You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of HR, providing trusted advice to leaders and ensuring our people practices remain practical, compliant and aligned with business needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing HR and IR advice to managers and senior leaders
• Managing employee relations matters including performance, conduct and grievances
• Coaching managers through people and performance matters
• Interpreting and providing advice on Awards, Enterprise Agreements and employment legislation
• Supporting workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding and employee movements
• Overseeing HR policies, processes, systems and compliance
• Supporting remuneration, performance and talent management processes
• Managing HR reporting and people-related risks
• Supporting organisational change and employee engagement initiatives
• Leading and supporting the HR team

About You

You’ll be an experienced senior HR Leader who is confident working autonomously and comfortable moving between day-to-day operational matters and broader people priorities.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a HR management role
• Strong Australian employment relations and industrial relations knowledge
• Experience interpreting Awards and Enterprise Agreements
• Strong employee relations and performance management capability
• Confidence working with and influencing operational leaders
• A practical, commercially minded and solutions-focused approach
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Tertiary qualifications in HR, IR or a related discipline
• Experience within construction, resources or a similar project-based environment is essential.