HR Lead

At Urban Utilities, our purpose is simple yet powerful – Enrich Quality of Life. With a $7 billion asset base and services spanning 1.5 million residents and more than 31,000 commercial customers across Southeast Queensland, we are committed to enhancing the liveability of our communities every day.

About the Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced HR Lead to join our team on a temporary fixed-term contract until August 2027. This is a great opportunity for someone available immediately or at short notice, who enjoys getting stuck in, working with good people and making a difference from day one.

You'll lead a capable and collaborative team of HR Partners, providing practical advice, guidance and leadership across a broad range of employee relations and HR matters. From navigating complex cases to supporting leaders through challenging situations, you'll play a key role in delivering quality HR services and helping our people achieve positive outcomes.

We're after someone who can bring experience, sound judgement and a hands-on approach. You'll be joining an established team with plenty happening, where your expertise will be valued and you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution over the coming months.

What You’ll Deliver

• Lead and support a team of HR Partners, providing coaching, direction and guidance to deliver consistent, high-quality HR advice and services.
• Manage complex employee relations matters, including investigations, case management, dispute resolution and preparation for commission or tribunal proceedings.
• Partner with leaders to navigate challenging people matters, providing practical advice that balances employee experience, organisational needs and legislative obligations.
• Strengthen HR practices by reviewing policies, procedures and tools, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery, consistency and compliance.
• Build capability and confidence across the organisation through coaching, knowledge sharing and practical support to leaders and HR colleagues.

About You

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, Business or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience in senior HR or employee relations roles, with the confidence to manage complex and sensitive matters independently.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, industrial instruments and employee relations processes, including experience managing matters through external commissions or tribunals.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and supporting HR professionals to deliver quality outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust, influence decisions and provide clear, pragmatic advice to leaders.
• A proactive, adaptable approach, with the confidence to quickly understand priorities, build relationships and contribute from the outset.

At UU, our strength comes from our people. We value different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel respected, included and supported to do their best work.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and life experiences. You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. If this role interests you and you feel you could contribute, we’d love to hear from you.

For us, it’s about finding the right person, not ticking every box.

If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We’re here to support you through the process.

Why Urban Utilities

At Urban Utilities, the work we do is about so much more than the bottom line. We're a leading provider of world-class drinking water and wastewater services to the vibrant communities of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, and Scenic Rim. As we continue to grow, we're committed to planning ahead and shaping a sustainable future around water for generations to come.

At the core of our work lies genuine care: for our team, our customers, communities, and the environment. From the flush of a toilet to major infrastructure projects and residential developments, we're dedicated to being there every step of the way.

Our HQ is in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, but you'll find us all over SEQ - working in cool places like the SAS Laboratory in Darra, field-based depots in Eagle Farm, Acacia Ridge, Bundamba, and wastewater treatment plants dotted across the region.

We know the chance to thrive, and progress comes hand in hand with the support to balance work with life. So, you’ll access an increasingly diverse range of benefits and initiatives that’ll help you bring the best you. Speaking of which, here’s just a sample of the benefits we offer our team:

• Generous Salary Packaging options, including novated leases
• Corporate discounts across Health insurance, technology and more
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave including two proactive wellbeing days, and an additional day of leave each year to connect with friends and family
• Flexibility at UU depends on the type of work you do but could include options such as, 9-day fortnights and flexible days. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you!
• Urban Utilities is an endorsed employer for all women. See our range of benefits and policies directly at WORK180

There’s no us without you. Come shape the future with us.

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your application.

Please note: applicants may be required to undergo background checks as part of the recruitment process for this role.