HR Advisor

We're hiring an HR Advisor to join our People Solutions team at Cox Automotive Australia & New Zealand.

Working in a pooled generalist model, you'll support a wide mix of stakeholders across frontline operations (blue collar), corporate functions and everything in between. You'll provide practical, end-to-end advice across the full employee lifecycle, including performance, ER support, recruitment enablement, onboarding, engagement and wellbeing, backed by clear governance and escalation pathways for complex or high-risk matters.

About us

Cox Automotive Australia & New Zealand, including Manheim Australia and New Zealand, is part of Cox Automotive globally and Cox Enterprises, a privately owned, family-owned organisation. We combine deep local market expertise with the scale, capability and innovation of a global automotive services group, supporting customers across the vehicle lifecycle through trusted remarketing, data and insight-led solutions.

This role is Melbourne-based and suits someone who prefers a "more in than out" hybrid rhythm, with a majority office or on-site presence. You'll also be open to occasional interstate and New Zealand travel and thrive in an agile, collaborative team where everyone rolls up their sleeves and gets stuck in.

Why now

We have recently relocated our corporate office to Southbank and, by early 2027, we will be moving our Victorian operations and auction site to Truganina, with world-class facilities and technology. It's a great time to join. You'll be close to the action and play a hands-on role in supporting leaders and teams through meaningful change.

What you'll be doing

• Provide practical, end-to-end HR advice across the employee lifecycle
• Coach leaders on feedback, performance, probation, conduct and ER fundamentals
• Support ER matters with strong documentation and sound judgement, escalating complex or high-risk issues when needed
• Enable hiring-manager-led recruitment and smooth onboarding experiences
• Own hands-on HR administration and coordination, including employee documentation, contracts, letters, employee changes and record keeping
• Maintain accurate employee information through regular HR systems data entry, updates, checks and data-quality activities
• Coordinate employee lifecycle activities and follow-ups, ensuring processes are completed accurately and on time
• Use people data and trends to tell clear stories, spot issues early and drive practical actions
• Prepare and maintain HR reports, trackers and people data
• Lead and support People projects and initiatives that bring our three-year People Strategy to life
• Take ownership of smaller projects and workstreams, from planning and stakeholder engagement through to implementation and follow-up
• Help embed new programs, processes and ways of working across the business

What we're looking for

• A degree or tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Business or a related discipline
• A relationship-led HR generalist who enjoys being visible in the business (not just inbox HR)
• Commercial judgement, balancing positive people outcomes with business realities
• Confidence switching between operational and corporate environments
• A calm, pragmatic style with strong written communication and documentation discipline
• Strong attention to detail and confidence working with employee records, systems, spreadsheets, data entry and reporting
• Tech savvy, with confidence using Microsoft 365 suite, including Excel, AI, and HR systems and an interest in learning new tools
• An improvement mindset and an interest in projects, change and finding better ways to deliver HR services
• AHRI membership, another relevant professional affiliation or a demonstrated commitment to ongoing HR professional development
• A genuine interest in keeping your employment relations knowledge and professional HR practice current
• Comfortable with a "more in than out" hybrid rhythm and occasional travel (interstate and NZ)

Why join us?

• True generalist exposure across operations and corporate teams
• Build your HR advisory, HR operations and project capability
• Visible, relationship-led work where you can get out into the business and influence leaders
• Opportunities to lead and contribute to projects delivering our three-year People Strategy
• Agile, practical team culture that is collaborative, hands-on and supportive
• Exciting change ahead with our 2027 Truganina and other Manheim site relocations, supporting investment in world-class facilities for our auction operations
• Insights-led HR, using data and technology to improve how we work
• Continue developing your HR career in a role that values professional growth and contemporary HR practice

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, make an impact quickly, and be part of a collaborative team that gets stuck in, apply now.