Who are we?
We’re here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.
The role
The People Business Partner provides operational and strategic human resources advice and support to South East Water. As a key member of the People Partnerships team, the People Business Partner will be aligned to stakeholder groups to ensure seamless design, delivery and execution of a full range of HR initiatives.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Effective operational business partnering.
- Provision of advice and guidance on employee and industrial relations, including support to people leaders in relation to performance management and conduct.
- Partnering with relevant business areas to ensure the effective development and implementation of a range of HR strategies, projects, policies and procedures.
- Fostering key business relationships, building credibility and trust across the business. Identifying gaps and contributing to the ongoing HR strategy.
- Interpretation of the SEW Employees Enterprise Agreement and relevant industrial legislation.
- Supporting and delivering on organisational realignment, design and change management initiatives.
Who are you?
Ideally armed with a degree in Human Resources or similar, as well as a minimum of three years’ demonstrated experience in a fast paced operational role as a HR Generalist, the successful candidate will possess the following skills, experience and knowledge, which will allow them to thrive in the role:
- Demonstrated experience in providing Human Resources/IR/ER advice in a unionised environment within a medium to large sized organisation.
- Experience managing industrial related employee cases including disciplinary processes, investigations and grievance resolution.
- Experience in supporting restructures.
- Significant knowledge and direct application of employment legislation, including the ability to interpret legislation, Awards and Industrial Agreements together with policies and procedures.
- A high level of initiative with an ability to proactively anticipate stakeholder needs and identify opportunities.
- Ability to develop highly effective working relationships by building capability, respect and rapport.
- Innovative approach with proven ability to identify opportunities, analyse data and use this information to design solutions.
- Ability to manage competing, high-priority demands, managing operational workload with delivery of initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (written and verbal) with impact.
- Proficient with MS Word, Excel and systems relating to human resource management e.g. SuccessFactors, performance management, payroll/HRIS.
What's in it for you?
Working at South East Water means you can enjoy a wealth of benefits, starting with the chance to be part of an organisation deeply committed to environmental initiatives and sustainability; one who has been recognised as one of the top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia by Work180 for the past two consecutive years and a 2026 Finalist in the Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards ‘Flexible Working’ category.
South East Water cultivates a dynamic culture that emphasises collaboration and strong work ethics, supported by career-focused learning and development opportunities.
As a SEW employee, you can enjoy the following offerings from our benefits package:
- Access to My Fitness Passport, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu shots, and health checks.
- Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and leave purchasing.
- Additional leave offerings, such as cultural and ceremonial leave and study leave.
- Head office with modern facilities and panoramic beachfront views, a separate parents' room, a prayer and meditation room and an onsite cafe.
- Limited free onsite and offsite car parking available, as well as pay-as-you-go parking options nearby.
- Opportunity to be part of great initiatives involving the local community.
This role is remunerated at a Level 5,which is between $119,221 and $125,993 + super (FTE) and offers are commensurate with the successful candidates' experience.
We're for everyone
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers.
We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at careers@southeastwater.com.au.
Keen to make an impact?
Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Monday 26th October 2026!
To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application. Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check
South East Water operates a 24/7 service environment. Whilst this role does not involve after-hours rostered duty, all employees may be required to provide out of hours support from time to time as required.
Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.
