At Penguin Random House, we are powered by our people. As the world’s largest trade book publisher, we publish books that matter, from future classics to cherished favourites. Our team is dedicated to creating stories that entertain, educate and inspire. We strive to be the best home for our authors and people, and the most service-oriented partner for our customers.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and approachable HR professional to join our Distribution Centre team based in Dandenong South. Reporting to the HR Director and partnering closely with site leaders, you will be the key HR contact supporting both warehouse and office-based teams across operations, logistics, customer service and finance.

This is a true generalist role with plenty of variety, autonomy and opportunity to make a positive impact. From employee relations and coaching leaders, through to recruitment, culture initiatives and continuous improvement projects, you will play an important role in supporting both the day-to-day operation and the broader employee experience. You will also work collaboratively with the wider HR team on company-wide initiatives and people projects.

What you’ll be doing:

• Partnering with managers and supervisors to provide practical and timely HR advice
• Supporting leaders with employee relations matters including performance management, investigations, grievances and disciplinary matters
• Advising on interpretation of enterprise agreements, policies and employment legislation
• Managing end-to-end recruitment, onboarding and offboarding activities
• Supporting initiatives focused on culture, leadership capability and employee engagement
• Assisting with cyclical HR activities including performance reviews and remuneration processes
• Managing employee changes including promotions, transfers, leave arrangements and flexible work requests
• Supporting payroll review and approval processes
• Working closely with leaders to build consistency and capability in people management practices
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and contributing to HR projects and initiatives

What you will bring:

You are a confident and pragmatic HR professional who enjoys building strong relationships and being close to the business. You are comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, balancing operational support with longer-term people initiatives.

• Previous experience in a hands-on HR generalist role
• Strong employee relations experience and confidence managing complex people matters
• Knowledge of enterprise agreements, awards and employment legislation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A collaborative and flexible approach
• Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Sound judgement, resilience and a practical problem-solving mindset
• Experience supporting operational or blue-collar workforces will be highly regarded

Why join us?

• Supportive and down-to-earth team culture
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact
• Broad exposure across all aspects of HR
• Opportunity to contribute to culture and leadership initiatives
• A business that values collaboration, continuous improvement and people development

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Penguin Random House is the world’s largest trade book publisher, boasting an impressive list of authors from cherished favourites to future classics across many genres and platforms. In Australia and New Zealand, we are proud to work with the most talented writers, thinkers and achievers and publish a diverse range of local and international voices. We are the leading publisher distributing books across Australia and New Zealand, focusing on speed and reliability to reach our customers and bring the very best books to readers everywhere. Our 400+ creative and passionate people from various backgrounds and experiences work together to uphold our reputation for excellence and clear commitment to service throughout the entire publishing process, and help us to achieve exceptional results. More information can be found at https://www.penguin.com.au/ and https://www.penguin.co.nz/.

Penguin Random House is committed to providing a workplace and culture that values diversity and inclusion across all levels of the business. We recognise and acknowledge the contribution of people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes, however is not limited to, differences in gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and family status.

 Company: Penguin Random House Australia Pty Ltd | Job ID: 289155