People and Culture Manager

_{21st July, 2026}

People & Culture Manager – Operational Workforce - Partner to CEO

This retained search is being managed by WorkTrybe in partnership with a family owned manufacturing business in Emu Plains, Western Sydney.

• Lead People & Culture for a 250-person operational workforce
• Play a key role in a business transformation and capability uplift
• Enjoy the flexibility of early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary of $160K–$180K + Super depending on experience
• Based onsite 5 days per week at the Emu Plains production facility
• Onsite parking available

Our client one of NSW's most established motor vehicle manufacturers, proudly family-owned and operating for more than 60 years.
With around 250 employees across production, assembly and operations, the business continues to grow while investing in leadership capability, workforce development and operational excellence.

Their culture is built on strong values including teamwork, accountability, quality craftsmanship and continuous improvement, creating an environment where people are encouraged to contribute, grow and take pride in their work.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the People & Culture Manager will lead the P&C function and support the organisation through its next phase of growth and organisational transformation.

This is a hands-on role in a blue-collar manufacturing environment, partnering closely with leaders across operations and being visible within the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the People & Culture strategy aligned to business growth
• Support the organisation through a people and operational transformation
• Partner closely with the CEO and Operations leadership team
• Lift capability across supervisors and frontline leaders
• Strengthen recruitment, onboarding and workforce retention
• Provide strong employee relations leadership
• Embed structure, accountability and discipline across people processes
• Develop and support a People & Culture team of two direct reports

This role will suit someone who

• Enjoys working closely with operational and production teams
• Is comfortable being visible in the business and partnering with frontline leaders, and early starts to attend occasional production morning kick-off meetings
• Has experience bringing structure and accountability to people practices
• Wants to play a meaningful role in the growth of an Australian manufacturing business

You are a hands-on HR leader who can partner effectively with senior leaders while also supporting frontline managers in day to day people matters.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a People & Culture / HR management role
• A degree in HR, Business or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working within blue-collar or operational workforce environments such as manufacturing, logistics or construction 
• Exposure to or leadership of organisational transformation or change initiatives
• Strong employee relations capability
• Ability to partner effectively with operational leaders
• A strategic mindset with a practical, roll-up-your-sleeves approach

What’s in it for you?

• Enjoy the flexibility of early finish on Fridays
• Direct partnership with the CEO and senior leadership team
• Opportunity to shape and strengthen the People & Culture function while developing your own career
• Join a respected Australian manufacturing brand with over 60 years of history
• Onsite parking available

If you feel ready for your next move within P+C leadership and have the right skills and experience please apply now!

N.B. Full working rights are required for this role.