HR Director, dnata Australia

dnata Australia is a leading provider of ground handling and airport services across Australia, supporting airline customers at major airports nationwide. As part of the Emirates Group, we deliver safe, reliable and efficient services across passenger handling, ramp operations, baggage services and cabin cleaning, helping airlines provide exceptional customer experiences every day.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the HR Director Australia is a strategic business partner responsible for leading the people agenda across the organisation. The role drives the development and execution of HR strategies that support business growth, organisational performance and a high-performing culture. Leading all aspects of talent, leadership, workforce planning, employee and industrial relations, reward and organisational effectiveness, the HR Director ensures compliance with Australian employment legislation while aligning local initiatives with Emirates Group and dnata people strategies. Through strong leadership and collaboration, the role fosters employee engagement, operational excellence and long-term business success.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and execute a people strategy aligned to business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Partner with senior leaders to drive organisational effectiveness, workforce planning and succession management.
• Lead all aspects of talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, reward, engagement and culture.
• Act as the principal advisor to the Managing Director and Executive Team on people, leadership and organisational matters.
• Oversee employee and industrial relations, including union relationships and negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, governance requirements and organisational policies.
• Drive workforce productivity, retention, capability development and employee engagement across the business.
• Lead HR transformation initiatives, including process optimisation, digitalisation and people analytics.
• Provide workforce insights and reporting to support strategic decision-making and mitigate people-related risks.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing HR team that delivers exceptional business partnership and HR services.
• Champion the One dnata people strategy, fostering collaboration across business units while maintaining strong local leadership.
• Lead by example, embedding dnata's Vision, Mission and Values in leadership decisions, people practices and day-to-day interactions across the organisation.
• Foster a culture of safety, service excellence, accountability, respect and continuous improvement, ensuring these principles are reflected in employee behaviours, leadership standards and business outcomes.
• Promote an inclusive and engaging workplace environment where employees are empowered to perform at their best and contribute to dnata's long-term success.
• Ensure people decisions and leadership practices support a safe, compliant and customer-focused operating environment.
   

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Humanities or a related discipline.
  Professional HR accreditation (CIPD or equivalent) preferred.
• 8-10 years' experience in a senior HR leadership role, ideally within a multinational organisation.
• Strong expertise in employment legislation, HR governance and HR best practices within Australia.
• Demonstrated ability to translate employment law and regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.
• Proven experience leading organisational transformation, change management and business improvement initiatives
• Experience managing industrial relations within a unionised environment, including enterprise bargaining and pay negotiations.
• Strong HR systems knowledge, including implementation, integration and adoption of HR technologies.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyse workforce trends and provide insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an airport security pass.