HR Manager (Australia)

Job Summary:

As our HR Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting our AU operations as we launch and scale Ruggable in Melbourne, Australia. You will support a wide range of activities within our AU business, from recruitment and employee on/offboarding to employee relations to payroll support and benefits administration.

We are seeking a service and detail-oriented individual who will act as a liaison between the AU Plant Manager, People Operations team, and AU employees, ensuring smooth communication and prompt resolution of requests and questions. This is an opportunity to be part of a high-performing team, implement a positive culture of safety, teamwork, and support, and establish best practices within Ruggable.

This role will be based at our new manufacturing facility in Melbourne, AU.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage recruitment, on/off-boarding, payroll, and benefits for hourly employees, including managing relationships with external agencies and the temp-to-perm process
• Ensure Ruggable AU is a high-performing and engaging workplace by coaching and supporting managers on employee relations, delivering company communications, and planning and implementing policies, programs, and practices
• Support the creation of a compelling Employee Value Proposition and ensure that Ruggable’s proposition stays competitive (includes reviewing compensation, benefits, and other offerings periodically)
• Measure employee morale and determine methods for improving overall employee satisfaction
• Act as liaison between the company and outside legal and professional resources as needed (e.g., occupational health providers, payroll providers)
• Ensure that all employment policies follow current laws and regulations and that Ruggable is compliant with safety and legal practices, procedures, and record-keeping 
• Assist the Plant Manager and Health & Safety team in safety training and accident investigations
• Act as a trusted advisor to the organization by staying up to date on best practices and industry trends
• Coach and counsel management on key talent matters, including performance management and development, feedback, employee wellbeing and engagement, and disciplinary actions
• Identify training needs and create or coordinate appropriate training for employees and leadership (based on knowledge gaps and succession planning needs)
• Maintain all HR records and provide data, key indicators, and qualitative feedback to align employment decisions to current and future workforce needs

What You’ll Need to Have:

Required:

• HR competencies - recruiting, training, employee relations, compensation and benefits and culture
• Proven work experience as a People Ops Manager; managerial experience is a must
• Must work well under pressure in a very fast-paced environment and be able to work independently with minimal direction
• Strong interpersonal skills - ability to address complaints/resolve problems, reward/discipline employees, and appraise performance
• Strong communication skills – must be able to convey facts and information clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create and work in collaborative group environments
• Knowledge of Australian and (if applicable) Melbourne-specific employment law
• Ability to invite and provide constructive feedback
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to perform any functions required to ensure the success of the AU team
• Proficient with GSuite and Microsoft Suite

Preferred:

• CIPD qualified or able to evidence experience
• Working knowledge of HRIS (HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time & Labor, Applicant Tracking)
• Experience working in a start-up environment or manufacturing environment (or both!)

Compensation:

• 90,000 - 110,000 AUD base salary per year
• An annual bonus percentage that varies based on level of role