Director, People

About the Role

KBR, Inc. is a global leader delivering advanced science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies across more than 80 countries. With approximately 38,000 employees worldwide and operations spanning 29 countries, KBR supports critical infrastructure, energy transition, and national security projects, including over 2,000 employees in Australia.

In alignment with its commitment to a People First ethos and a Zero Harm culture, KBR is seeking a Director, People to helm the strategic and operational human resource agenda. This senior leadership role will directly influence workforce capability, organizational culture, leadership effectiveness, and the overall employee experience, ensuring these align with and support KBR’s business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overarching People strategy, ensuring workforce capabilities and culture support business goals.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to convert strategic priorities into effective workforce and organizational plans.
• Oversee workforce planning, organizational design, talent management, and succession planning processes.
• Offer expert advice on organizational effectiveness, leadership development, cultural initiatives, and people-related risks.
• Lead organizational change, including transformation efforts and workforce transitions.
• Manage employee and industrial relations strategies, including Enterprise Agreements, workplace relations, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Promote leadership development, employee engagement, diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
• Ensure adherence to employment legislation, governance standards, and workforce risk management.
• Coordinate with global People leaders to provide scalable and consistent human resource solutions.
• Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing People team.
• Influence decisions at an enterprise level and nurture strong stakeholder partnerships.
• Support and promote KBR's Zero Harm culture, fostering a safe, respectful, and secure workplace.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned People executive with substantial experience leading complex, geographically dispersed human resource operations. They will be trusted advisors skilled at aligning people strategies with business objectives, consistently delivering measurable organizational outcomes.

Key capabilities include workforce planning, organizational design, employee and industrial relations, organizational change, and leadership capability enhancement. The role demands strong commercial awareness, an ability to balance diverse priorities and risks, and exceptional stakeholder communication and influence skills. An authentic leadership style and success in transforming organizations and building high-performing teams are critical.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Business, Law, or related areas.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in people management within complex, multi-location organizations.
• Proven success collaborating with senior executives to drive strategic and operational people initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of workforce planning, organizational design, industrial and employee relations, and organizational change management.
• Thorough familiarity with Australian employment law, industrial relations frameworks, and compliance.
• Experience crafting and executing people strategies that yield business impact.
• Strong commercial acumen with the capacity to balance business goals, workforce needs, and risk.
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication at senior levels.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and managing high-performance teams.
• Must hold or be able to obtain an Australian Government Baseline security clearance or higher.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Defence, Government, or other heavily regulated sectors.
• Background supporting large-scale organizational transformation or restructuring.
• Track record in leading human resource functions through significant change.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Professional certifications such as AHRI accreditation or equivalent.

Additional Details

This permanent full-time position can be based in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide. The candidate will ultimately transition to a newly established company following KBR's planned separation of its Mission Technology Solutions business by September 2025. All candidates must hold and maintain an active Baseline Defence Security Clearance due to the role's engagement with the Australian Defence Force and adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Benefits and Perks

• Recognition as a Great Place To Work certified employer.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Paid parental leave and income protection benefits.
• Corporate rewards programs and salary packaging/novated leasing options.
• Employee stock purchase plans.
• Health initiatives including flu vaccinations, skin checks, and discounted private health insurance.
• Career development opportunities via online learning, mentorship, and defined career pathways.

Important Notes

Shortlisting will be ongoing during the application period and may close early if a suitable candidate is found. KBR Australia does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies not directly engaged for this position.