People Partner

Job Location: Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

The People Business Partner is responsible for partnering with Operations and Production leaders to deliver people solutions that enable the successful execution of business objectives, production outcomes, and operational performance. The role contributes to the development and delivery of the People Plan, ensuring workforce strategies, capability initiatives, and employee engagement activities support current and future operational requirements.

Core Duties:

· Partner with Operations and Production leaders to align people initiatives with business priorities, production schedules, workforce demands, and operational objectives.

· Promote and embed a Safety First culture, ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees, contractors, partners, and customers remain at the forefront of all people and business decisions.

·Use workforce data, people analytics, operational metrics, and industry trends to inform workforce planning, talent strategies, and people-related decision-making.

· Support the development and execution of workforce plans that ensure the business has the capability, capacity, and skills required to meet production and delivery commitments.

· Partner with leaders to identify and address workforce risks, capability gaps, succession requirements, and resource constraints.

· Support organisational change initiatives, workforce mobilisation activities, and business transformation programs within the operational environment.

· Coach and support leaders to strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, performance outcomes, and team effectiveness.

· Build strong relationships across Operations, Production, and the broader People team, acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for operational workforce requirements.

· Ensure people practices, policies, and processes are applied consistently and effectively to support business outcomes and employee experience.

· Contribute to the development and implementation of People strategies that enable improved productivity, workforce sustainability, and operational performance.

Essential Skills:

· Experience partnering with leaders in manufacturing, production, industrial, or operational environments.

· Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across frontline, supervisory, and leadership teams.

· Ability to coach and support leaders across all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including performance management, employee relations, workforce challenges, and team effectiveness.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use workforce data and insights to inform decisions and drive business outcomes.

· Experience supporting organisational change, workforce growth, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Strong commitment to workplace health, safety, and employee wellbeing.

· Ability to balance strategic workforce priorities with day-to-day operational requirements.

· Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum Baseline Security Clearance, or higher as required.

The Hunter Class Frigate Program

BAE Systems Australia is leading the largest ever surface ship project in Australia’s defence history – the design and build of Hunter class frigates. The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming Australia’s shipbuilding industry by supporting the building of a world-class, continuous naval shipbuilding capability for our nation

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.