HR Generalist

Most HR Advisor roles on Seek look the same: long bullet lists, vague “strategic partnering”, and a promise of “fast‑paced environments” that really means constant firefighting - This is not one of those roles.

We’re recruiting on behalf of an exclusive, high‑end design studio whose work you would recognise on Perth’s skyline. Their office feels like stepping into one of their projects – ultra‑modern, texture‑rich, light‑filled and meticulously considered. You notice the details the moment you walk in: polished concrete, warm timber, carefully framed views, and a quiet, focused energy.

They’re now looking for a steady, grounded HR Advisor "Generalist" who wants to be the calm constant behind the scenes... keeping everything people‑related running smoothly, correctly and consistently.

Where you fit
You’ll join a close‑knit admin and support team of seven within a studio of around 45 people, most of them architects and interior designers who live and breathe design excellence.

Your work won’t be about big HR “campaigns” or being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, you’ll be the one they trust to get the foundations right every time. You will:
- Own the day‑to‑day HR operations: contracts, variations, right‑to‑work checks, onboarding, offboarding and HR documentation.
- Keep systems humming: Employment Hero (HR, onboarding, reviews), ProjectWorks (timesheets and leave), and the Xero payroll interface are your core tools.
- Coordinate performance reviews via Employment Hero, making sure the process is fair, timely and well‑documented – stepping in for the tricky, sensitive matters when needed.
- Support managers with clear, compliant advice on processes and Fair Work obligations, without needing to “own the strategy” or drive big cultural agendas.
- Help interpret and implement industrial changes (like the Right to Disconnect) with a focus on risk, clarity and consistency rather than theory.

There is an experienced HR lawyer on call for the heavy industrial issues, so you don’t have to be the specialist in everything – you just need to know when to ask, how to follow the process, and how to keep the documentation clean and tight.

Who you’ll work with
- You’ll report directly to the COO – direct, fast‑moving and big on straight talk.
- Their philosophy is simple: clarity is kindness.
- You’ll have regular 1:1s and be brought into several management meetings each week, so you’re always in the loop.
- You won’t be micromanaged, but you will be expected to raise issues early, be honest about risks, and come up with options and recommendations.
- You’re advisory, not the final decision‑maker – leadership owns performance calls, promotions and big people moves.
- If you like being close to decisions, but not responsible for driving the whole people strategy, you’ll find this balance ideal.

Why this role is different to most HR roles you’ll see
Scroll through the HR Advisor ads, and most promise a mix of “strategic partnering”, “end‑to‑end recruitment”, “culture initiatives” and “project work” – then quietly expect you to juggle high‑volume admin on top. This role is clear from the start: it is operational, grounded and structured.

What makes it stand out:
- Architecturally inspiring environment – you’re not in a generic business park; you’re in a space designed by people who obsess over every detail.
- A calm, grown‑up culture – around 45 professionals, no drama, no big egos, no “tricky personalities” to dance around.
- Real work‑life boundaries – minimal after‑hours work, one day WFH each week, flexible start/finish times, and a strong respect for your time.
- Clear scope – you’re not being hired to “fix culture” or “reinvent HR”. Systems, templates and processes already exist; your value is in making them work brilliantly.
- Support for complexity – when things get legally or industrially complex, there’s an HR lawyer ready to step in, so you’re not left to navigate the hardest stuff alone.
- If you’re tired of roles overselling “strategic influence” and underselling how much admin you actually do, this level of honesty will feel refreshing.

The kind of person who will thrive here
You’re not chasing a flashy title & you’re looking for a role where you can do good, meaningful HR work in a stable, respectful environment.

You’re likely someone who is:
- Steady, emotionally balanced, and reliable – people feel calmer after they’ve spoken to you.
- Comfortable with structure, process and detail; checklists and templates are your friends, not your enemies.
- Confident advising senior people, even without formal authority – you can say “here’s the risk” and “here’s the safest path” clearly and calmly.
- Not flamboyant or highly political – you prefer consistency and professionalism over theatrics.
- Strong on compliance – you care that things are done right, documented properly and defensible if ever questioned.
- A Diploma or Degree in HR, People & Culture, Business or similar – or equivalent hands‑on HR experience – will set you up well.

How they work day to day
- Standard hours are 8:30–5:30 with flexibility to start between 8–9am and finish between 4:30–5:30pm.
- One day a week WFH, with the first six months fully in the office to embed and build relationships.
- They are open to non‑full‑time arrangements for the right person, as long as it works for the business rhythm.
- You’ll sit with the admin team but have the privacy and trust to manage confidential conversations and sensitive work appropriately.

The human side – perks and culture
This studio puts real effort into connection and everyday experience:
- Daily shared lunch ingredients (think salad bar base, fresh and communal).
- Tuesday breakfasts with business updates, so no one feels in the dark.
- “Glasshouse Fridays” – a weekly sharing ritual that keeps the team connected.
- Around five social events a year, thoughtfully done rather than forced fun.
- A professional development allowance, with HR helping track and coordinate training so people actually use it.
- It’s the kind of place where people stay because the work is interesting, the space is inspiring, and the culture is grown‑up and kind.

Ready to be the steady one in a beautifully designed world? If the idea of being the calm, competent HR engine in an exclusive design studio sounds like your next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume, or reach out confidentially to discuss how this could align with where you are in your HR career.