Alisha Pengelly

Human Resources professional with 25 years of senior-level leadership in designing strategic HR initiatives for organizations spanning aviation, building and construction, clerical, civil engineering, finance, IT, land and conservation management, manufacturing, mechanical, mining and transport and distribution. Led global recruitment and talent acquisition processes and negotiated enterprise agreements, while ensuring full compliance with employment law and regulations. Expertise in both transactional and strategic HR.

Responsive Human Resources Business Partner with well-rounded experience in all functional areas of HR, including labor law compliance, employee relations and performance management, leave of absence and ADA accommodations. Supports clients and effectively balances role of consultant and mentor with gatekeeper to control employer-related risks and grow client's management skills. Thrives on mentoring business owners and managers from small to mid-size employers with proven success at understanding unique business needs to establish genuine relationships as indispensable partner.

• Directed the full HR framework for national and international operations, delivering strategic HR leadership across multiple jurisdictions and ensuring compliance with all statutory and organisational requirements.
• Increased workplace diversity by 76% through targeted recruitment strategies, Indigenous employment programs, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Managed the complete employment lifecycle for 430+ employees, improving workforce capability, compliance, and operational efficiency across remote and regional locations.
• Negotiated and implemented enterprise agreements in partnership with AMWU and CFMEU, strengthening industrial relations outcomes and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Achieved a 90% rehabilitation success rate in workers’ compensation and return‑to‑work programs through proactive case management and early intervention strategies.
• Delivered full 360‑degree recruitment across white‑ and blue‑collar sectors, successfully managing high‑volume pipelines and securing talent for hard‑to‑fill roles nationally and internationally.
• Designed and executed global HR strategies, policies, and governance frameworks, elevating organisational capability and ensuring consistent HR practice across all business units.
• Led HR analytics, reporting, and ROI measurement, enabling data‑driven decision‑making and improved workforce planning outcomes.
• Managed international recruitment, mobilisation, and repatriation processes, including visa and work‑permit coordination with PNG and Australian government agencies.
• Founded and operated a national HR consulting business, delivering HR frameworks, compliance solutions, recruitment services, and strategic advisory support to clients across Australia.
• Implemented employee contracts across 13 pre‑reform and 11 modernised awards, achieving 100% compliance with legislative and industrial requirements.
• Conducted complex investigations and prepared evidence‑based reports under the Corrective Services Act 2006, ensuring transparency, safety, and compliance within a high‑risk environment.

• Member - Australian Institute of Human Resources
• Member - Society of Human Resource Management