HR Manager (AUS)

Job Summary:

As Ruggable's Australian HR Manager, you will play a key role in launching and scaling operations in Melbourne, Australia. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape the HR function at a new site while partnering closely with leadership to create a high-performing, engaging, and compliant workplace. You’ll lead core HR Operations for the AU site—spanning recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll coordination, and benefits—while acting as a trusted partner to the Plant Manager and leaders on the ground.

Beyond the site, you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to broader HR team initiatives across Ruggable’s global network, helping to build and refine processes, programs, and systems as we continue to grow.

If you’re someone who enjoys building from the ground up, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to make a tangible impact, this role offers both ownership and growth.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead People Operations for the AU site, including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and management of external staffing agencies (including temp-to-perm processes)
• Own the full hiring lifecycle—from intake through onboarding—ensuring a seamless and positive experience for candidates and new hires
• Partner closely with site leadership to build a strong, engaged workplace by coaching managers on employee relations, performance management, and team development
• Act as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for employee relations matters, managing issues from intake through resolution with sound judgment and discretion
• Support payroll processes, including timecard reviews, payroll validation, and coordination with payroll providers to ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Build and manage strong relationships with staffing agencies, while monitoring workforce trends such as attendance, performance, and conversions
• Ensure compliance with Australian employment laws, safety standards, and company policies, maintaining accurate and organized employee records
• Partner with the Plant Manager and Health & Safety teams to reinforce a culture of safety through training and support of incident investigations
• Monitor employee engagement and sentiment, using data and insights to recommend and implement improvements
• Maintain HR reporting and provide insights to support workforce planning and business decisions
• Contribute to broader People team initiatives across Ruggable’s global network, including SOP development, process improvements, HRIS enhancements (e.g., Paylocity), training programs, and cross-site projects as the business evolves

What You’ll Need to Have:

Required:

• A strong HR Generalist background across recruiting, employee relations, performance management, and employee engagement
• Experience in a People Ops/HR role, ideally supporting a site or operating with a high level of autonomy
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and execute with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations thoughtfully and effectively
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to partner across teams and levels
• Working knowledge of Australian employment law
• Flexibility and willingness to support both site-level priorities and broader team initiatives
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

Preferred:

• Experience in manufacturing, operations, or start-up environments
• Exposure to HR systems (HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time & Labor, ATS)
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

Details:

• 130,000 - 140,000 AUD
• An annual bonus percentage that varies based on level of role
• Onsite in Somerton, 5 days a week