Business Partner - People & Culture

Whitehaven Coal is proud to be the leading Australian ASX-listed producer of premium-quality coal. 

Our STRIVE Values connect us and define how we behave. Whitehaven Coal award, recognise and celebrate individuals and teams going above and beyond the requirements of their role to deliver excellent outcomes while demonstrating our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.

Whitehaven’s Blackwater Operation stands as one of the true powerhouses of Australia’s coal mining sector — a site renowned for its scale, performance and industry reputation. A rare opportunity now exists for an experienced HR Business Partner to join this flagship open‑cut operation and play a pivotal role in shaping its people strategy. Step into a dynamic, fast‑paced mining environment where you’ll partner closely with operational leaders and elevate your HR career at one of the country’s largest and most influential mining operations.

About the Role

Located at Blackwater, this position partners directly with site leaders to provide hands‑on, commercially focused HR support in a high‑energy mining environment. In this role you will: 

• Partner with leaders — Deliver HR strategies that directly support site priorities and operational objectives.

• Provide expert advice — Guide leaders on employee relations, performance management and workforce matters.

• Maintain compliance — Ensure adherence to company policies, industrial legislation and safety requirements.

• Support workforce cycles — Manage recruitment, onboarding and offboarding to ensure a seamless employee experience.

• Build positive culture — Drive initiatives that strengthen teamwork, engagement and productivity.

• Engage stakeholders — Build strong relationships and provide consistent, proactive HR support across site.

About you / What you will bring: 

• Show drive — Bring a forward‑thinking mindset and a genuine commitment to strong people outcomes.

• Apply solid HR experience — Leverage substantial HR expertise, ideally gained in mining or heavy industry.

• Hold relevant qualifications — Tertiary qualifications in HR or a related field are highly regarded.

• Use legislative knowledge — Demonstrate sound understanding of employment law and Queensland industrial relations.

• Build strong relationships — Communicate effectively and influence across all levels of the organisation.

• Operate in fast‑paced environments — Thrive in a dynamic operational setting with a strong focus on safety and productivity.

• Solve problems effectively — Apply practical judgement and a solutions‑focused approach to complex workforce issues.

Why Whitehaven Coal?

• Strong leave entitlements — 26 weeks paid parental leave.

• Referral rewards — $4,000 for every successful referral.

• Recognition that counts — Celebrate achievements through our STRIVE awards.

• Work at scale — Be part of one of Australia’s largest open‑cut operations.

• Real career growth — Develop your capability in a complex, high‑performing environment.

• Strong team culture — Join a supportive, safety‑focused workforce.

Why Whitehaven Coal?

• 26 wks. Paid Parental Leave
• $4k for successful employee referrals
• Awards and recognition through our STRIVE initiative
• Salary Sacrifice Opportunities

Whitehaven Coal is committed to increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace. We strive for an inclusive workplace that engages people from diverse backgrounds and welcomes diversity of gender, culture and experience.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in Australia.

Reward. Opportunity. Recognition. Great Place to Work.