People & Culture Lead in Sydney

Road and Civil Surveys is a specialist surveying consultancy delivering services across road, rail, energy, and civil infrastructure projects nationally. We have offices in Brisbane and Sydney with project staff working across QLD, VIC and NSW. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a People & Culture Lead based out of our Gregory Hills office to own the P&C function and support our operations. This is a new role. You won't inherit a department — you'll help shape it. It suits someone who's comfortable working autonomously, values a direct relationship with senior leadership, and understands the realities of a field-based workforce, both metro and FIFO/DIDO roles.

The Role

• Leading recruitment end-to-end — sourcing, screening, interviewing, and securing the right people for the business.
• Owning onboarding and offboarding — making sure new starters are set up properly and exits are handled well.
• Managing employment contracts, entitlements, and award compliance across QLD, VIC & NSW.
• Staying across relevant employment legislation, Fair Work obligations, and WHS requirements — particularly for a field-based workforce operating on live infrastructure and construction sites.
• Building and maintaining fit-for-purpose HR policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Supporting leaders with performance management, team development, and difficult conversations.
• Payroll coordination and leave management through Employment Hero.
• Tracking licensing, certifications, and professional development requirements.
• Employee engagement and retention — keeping good people in a competitive market.
• Trusted advisory to the leadership team on all people-related matters and risk.

What You’ll Need

• 5+ years' HR experience across the full employee lifecycle at various levels.
• Strong recruitment capability — you know how to find good people, not just post ads.
• Solid working knowledge of employment legislation, Fair Work, modern awards, and WHS requirements — particularly across QLD and NSW.
• Background in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or a similar field-based industry.
• Experience with Employment Hero or similar HRIS / payroll platforms.
• Confidence operating as a standalone P&C function — admin through to strategy.
• Pragmatic approach, strong communication, and the ability to work with people at every level.
• Understanding that a survey crew in the field has different needs to an office team.
• Experience setting up P&C systems and frameworks in a growing SME.
• Cert IV or degree in HR, Business, or related discipline.

What We Offer

• Gregory Hills office.
• Autonomy to build the function and make it your own.
• Direct access to the leadership team - no layers.
• Phone and laptop provided.
• A business that invests in capability, not just headcount.
• Eligibility: Full Australian working rights required.

Learn more about Road and Civil Surveys at www.rcsurveys.com.au.