Project-Based HR Manager – Water Sector

Posted:
10/8/2025, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia ⋅ New South Wales, Australia

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
People & HR

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Job Description

Acciona Agua is seeking a highly capable Project HR Manager to support the delivery of a major Water Treatment Project in the NSW region. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all HR activities across the project lifecycle — from planning and mobilisation to performance delivery, capability development, demobilisation, and knowledge management.


The role will ensure HR strategies and operations are aligned with both project and organisational goals, while maintaining compliance with legal and industrial frameworks. The HR Manager will work closely with the Project Director, Senior Managers, and the broader HR team in Australia and Spain.


Key Responsibilities


Strategic HR Partnership

  • Provide HR business partnering to align solutions, programs, and practices with project needs.

  • Develop and execute HR plans that support workforce planning, mobilisation, and delivery.

  • Consult with project leadership to ensure risk mitigation, business continuity, and compliance.

Operational HR Management

  • Lead implementation of HR programs, systems, and policies in line with Acciona’s strategy.

  • Advise managers and staff on employment conditions, policies, procedures, and legislation.

  • Support grievance handling, performance management, and employee relations.

Project-Specific HR Support

  • Maintain and update the project’s Indirect Forecast monthly.

  • Implement and monitor the Workplace Relations Management Plan and

Enterprise Management Training Plan

  • Oversee payroll accuracy and timeliness.

  • Manage workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work plans.

Training & Development

  • Organise relevant training and maintain accurate records.

  • Support onboarding, probation reviews, and annual performance evaluations.

  • promote continuous learning and development aligned with project needs.

Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with employment legislation, Awards, EBAs, and company policies.

  • Manage the HR budget and report monthly on deviations.

  • Report to the Head of HR in Australia and HQ in Spain, escalating issues as needed.

Recruitment & Talent Management

  • Assist with recruitment for project mobilisation and ongoing needs.

  • Provide advice on employment conditions and industrial instruments.

  • Support performance management, SMART goal setting, and succession planning.

Safety & Culture

  • Participate in safety investigations and promote a safety-first culture.

  • Uphold and promote Acciona’s Code of Conduct and company values.

Required Skills and Competencies

  • Advanced university degree in Human Resources, or related field.

  • Postgraduate education desirable.

  • Minimum 7 years of HR experience in construction, engineering, or infrastructure projects.

  • At least 2 years of team leadership experience.

  • Strong understanding of industrial relations, employment law, and HR systems.

  • Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience working in a project-based environment with cross-functional teams.


What We Offer

  • A key leadership role in a high-impact infrastructure project.

  • Competitive salary package and benefits.

  • Career development opportunities within a global organisation.

  • A collaborative, safety-focused, and innovation-driven work environment.

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification in Australia, which certifies the company's commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. Since establishing a presence in Australia in 2002, ACCIONA has made significant investments in local opportunities and project development. ACCIONA employs more than 3,000 people in its renewable energy, infrastructure and water projects across Australia & New Zealand.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote equality and diversity. Indigenous Australians and candidates from minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Acciona

Website: https://acciona.com/

Headquarter Location: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain

Employee Count: 10001+

Year Founded: 1997

IPO Status: Private

Last Funding Type: Secondary Market

Industries: Energy ⋅ Infrastructure ⋅ Renewable Energy ⋅ Service Industry ⋅ Water ⋅ Water Purification