HR Operations & Workforce Development Manager

FOOD MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE IS ESSENTIAL - ONLY CANDIDATES WITH RELEVANT FOOD MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED.

This role can be based remotely anywhere in Australia, however regular travel to and from Vanuatu is required. Candidates must hold a current & valid passport and be comfortable with frequent international travel.
We are proud to partner with Forney Enterprises - a growing international food manufacturing business operating across Vanuatu and Australia - in their search for an experienced HR Operations & Workforce Development Manager to join their team.

With a fast-paced operational environment and an expanding workforce, we're at an exciting stage of growth - investing in the people systems, processes, and leadership capability needed to scale effectively.

About the Role
This is a hands-on HR leadership role for an operationally minded HR professional who thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

You'll lead HR operations across both the Vanuatu and Australian businesses — building practical, scalable systems and supporting leaders to drive accountability, consistency, and performance across a geographically dispersed workforce.

The role is remote and Australia-based, with periodic travel to Vanuatu as required.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading day-to-day HR operations, systems, and workforce processes across the business
• Driving compliance with employment legislation and company policy across Vanuatu and Australian operations
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding processes
• Coaching and supporting managers to build leadership capability and accountability
• Developing and improving HR policy frameworks, documentation, and governance
• Managing visa, work permit, and expatriate workforce administration
• Coordinating and mentoring the HR team
• Partnering with operational leaders on workforce planning, role design, and organisational effectiveness

About You

• Proven HR operations or people leadership experience within a growing business
• Strong background in performance management, employee relations, and leadership coaching
• Experience building or improving HR systems, frameworks, and processes
• Manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, or operational environment experience highly regarded
• Comfortable working across multicultural and geographically dispersed teams
• Exposure to Pacific Island or international employment environments advantageous
• Relevant qualification in HR, Business, or Organisational Development (or equivalent experience)
• Ability and willingness to travel to Vanuatu periodically

Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely impactful HR leadership role in a growing international business - where you'll have real scope to shape how people operations are built, not just maintain the status quo.

If you're an HR professional who loves getting things done and wants to make a tangible difference across a multicultural, cross-jurisdictional workforce, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply
Click Apply to submit your application. All applications are treated in strict confidence.

Or email your resume to Natasha Donaghy: [email protected]