HR Business Partner (Remote/WFH) — Adelaide or Sydney preferred

_{05th February, 2026}

Essential HR is growing fast — and we're creating a new HR Business Partner role to support our expanding portfolio of SME clients across Australia.  This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who enjoys variety, autonomy, and meaningful client relationships. You'll work with business owners and leaders who rely on you as a trusted advisor — solving real HR and IR challenges and helping them build strong, compliant workplaces.
 
It's a busy, hands-on role with complexity and pace — but you won't be doing it alone. You'll be supported by a HR admin and systems support resource, so you can focus on delivering great outcomes for clients.
 
About the role:
You'll manage your own portfolio of SME clients across a range of industries — some regulated, some complex, all interesting. Your focus will be on providing practical, compliant, and commercially sound HR / IR advice, while meeting agreed SLAs and supporting clients to strengthen their HR foundations, utilising Employment Hero (HR Platform).
 
This is a full-time, work-from-home role, offering flexibility alongside exposure to diverse HR and IR matters.
 
What you'll be doing

• Provide high-quality HR/IR advice to SMEs across Australia
• Interpret and apply the Fair Work Act and Modern Awards accurately (including Award coverage, classifications, allowances, and conditions)
• Conduct HR compliance audits including:

          - Pay and classification audits, identifying potential underpayments
          - Award alignment to industry and roles
          - HR policies, HR processes, and documentation reviews

• Project manage HR initiatives including Employment Hero implementations and optimisation and other HR projects as required
• Manage complex employee relations matters and performance/disciplinary processes with confidence and diplomacy
• Coach and guide business owners and managers to lead their people directly (with your support).

What you'll bring
You will be driven, adaptable, and comfortable with complexity. You work autonomously while collaborating with a team, manage your own client portfolio, and confidently deliver practical, compliant HR outcomes for SMEs.
 
Key attributes and experience include:

• A relevant qualification in HR/Industrial Relations (or similar)
• Strong working knowledge of the Fair Work Act and proven ability to interpret Modern Awards correctly
• Demonstrated experience advising SMEs across different industries and adapting quickly
• High resilience, strong judgement, and the confidence to handle complex and sensitive issues
• High emotional intelligence — you can read the room, build trust, de-escalate tension, and navigate challenging conversations professionally
• Experience working under a service delivery model, managing competing priorities and SLAs
• Capability conducting audits (wage compliance, Award alignment, policies/processes) with excellent attention to detail
• Experience with HR systems — Employment Hero experience is highly regarded
• Strong project management skills (implementations, optimisation, HR projects)
• Client-first approach: professional, diplomatic, and able to build trust quickly
• Comfortable with technology: Teams video meetings, cloud systems, and completing timesheets for client billable time

What you'll get

• $130,000-$140,000 annual salary + super + annual bonus system
• 2 Wellness Days in addition to statutory leave
• Access to purchased leave, study leave, and moving house leave
• Laptop and mobile phone provided
• Excellent learning across HR & IR with exposure to a wide range of industries and matters
• Strong support from a highly experienced, skilled team
• Dedicated HR admin and system support resources to delegate to
• Reward and recognition are a real priority at Essential HR
• Social catch ups and a connected team culture — even while remote

Location
This is a WFH role. Adelaide or Sydney preferred, as this is where most of our clients are based.
 
How to apply
To apply, please submit your resume outlining your relevant skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
 
For a confidential discussion, you're welcome to contact our Recruitment Partner, Michaella, on 0434 983 743.