Head of People & Culture

_{08th September, 2026}

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 Perth 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.

Why Join Us?

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced  looking for a fixed term role where you can step into an established function and make an immediate contribution.

Based in Perth, you’ll work closely with leaders across the business and be part of a team that values safety, teamwork, professionalism, hard work and a can-do attitude.

If this sounds like you - we'd love to hear from you.