Senior HR Generalist - ANZ

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Business Environment:

This position is a key role within Smiths Detection HR organization, reporting directly to the HR Operations Manager, APAC. The Senior HR Generalist will serve as a trusted advisor to Business Unit Managers, APAC HR Manager, and employees, driving the HR agenda to support organizational growth and a high-performance culture. The role will be based in Sydney.

The Senior HR Generalist will play a critical role in aligning HR strategies with business objectives while promoting company’s values, fostering employee engagement, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration across the company.

Key Accountabilities and Challenges:

Stakeholder Collaboration and Management:

• Act as a strategic partner to Business Unit Leaders, HR teams, and global HR counterparts to deliver solutions that address business and workforce priorities.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders and functional managers, providing guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent management strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Operations, and Legal, to ensure alignment on policies, practices, and compliance.
• Facilitate open communication and act as a bridge between employees, management, and global HR teams to address concerns and align on key initiatives.
• Proactively identify stakeholder needs, offer innovative solutions, and provide consultative support for decision-making on complex HR matters.
• Lead regular discussions with leadership teams to review people metrics, analyze trends, and develop actionable insights to improve workforce outcomes.

Employee Engagement and Culture Building

• Design, drive, and execute employee engagement programs to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Conduct employee surveys, analyze results, and implement targeted action plans to address engagement gaps and enhance employee satisfaction.
• Organize initiatives that promote wellness, recognition, and a sense of belonging across all levels of the organization.
• Partner with managers to enhance team engagement, ensuring alignment with Smiths' values and cultural priorities.
• Actively advocate for and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, creating a supportive environment for all employees.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Develop and implement innovative staffing strategies to attract and retain top talent, ensuring alignment with company policies and local regulations.
• Partner with hiring managers to understand workforce requirements, streamline recruitment processes, and ensure timely hiring of quality candidates.
• Build and maintain relationships with external recruitment partners, universities, and professional organizations to strengthen talent pipelines.

HR Process Management and Operational Excellence

• Oversee the effective delivery of HR processes, including performance management, compensation planning, employee relations, and benefits administration.
• Manage and support HR operations to maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS system, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Drive continuous improvement in HR policies, processes, and practices to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Supervise payroll processing activities, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement of salaries and compliance with statutory requirements.

Training and Development

• Conduct training and development sessions for employees and managers to support leadership growth, skills enhancement, and career progression.
• Champion individual development plans (IDPs) and coach managers to identify opportunities for upskilling and reskilling employees.

Policy and Compliance Guidance

• Provide expert counsel on HR policies, performance expectations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, workplace health and safety regulations, and Smiths' global standards.

Global HR Initiatives and Projects

• Actively participate in and lead the deployment of global HR projects, including organizational transformations, technology implementations, and employee engagement campaigns.
• Work closely with global HR leaders to align local initiatives with global strategies, ensuring consistency and impact.

Educational Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in HR Business Partner or Generalist roles.
• Proven expertise in stakeholder management, collaboration, and navigating complex organizational structures.

Key Competencies and Attributes:

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills to build trust and drive alignment across diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Employee Engagement: Demonstrated ability to design and implement initiatives that boost engagement, improve morale, and enhance the employee experience.
• Leadership: Adept at leading and mentoring cross-functional teams, driving HR strategy, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives, identify opportunities, and anticipate challenges.
• Operational Excellence: Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach to deliver consistent, high-quality HR services.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and driving DE&I initiatives.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and guide senior leaders and employees effectively.
• Committed to ensuring all work aligns with the company’s safety goals and EHS standards

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)