View from the Top | Peter Lawry of McColl’s Transport
Peter Lawry describes himself as an “energetic” person whose work involves implementing global best practices in managing large workforces and an experienced expert in human resources management space.
In 2022, he joined McColl’s Transport, Australia's largest independent carrier of dairy, food, consumer, and industrial chemicals, to become its Chief People Officer, overseeing all HR functions and processes in the organisation.
Peter has over a decade of professional experience in the HR space, leading initiatives on HRM systems, strategic planning, organisational development, business partnering, industrial relations, business transformation, and office health and safety.
Bulk of his career was spent with Toyota where he first served as Global Resource Management Consultant from 2005 to 2007 in Japan.
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Peter then transferred to Toyota Motor Corporation Australia where he assumed the role of Manager for Organisational Development.
Ever the dynamic professional, he quickly moved up on the ladder within the company, becoming Manager of Toyota Institute, Manager of HR Business Partners (Sales and Marketing and Corporate Services), Manager of Purchasing for Corporate and Parts & Accessories, and Manager of Business Strategy and Transformation (Procurement and Supply Chain).
Peter decided to leave Toyota in 2018 to become the Head of Human Resources and Safety (Cartons ANZ) for Orora a global packaging manufacturer, distributor and visual communication solutions company.
In 2020, Peter joined the Opal Group as Head of Human Resources and Safety before leaving for McColl’s Transport in 2022.
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Because of his expansive professional work, Peter said he developed a “commercial acumen and line management experience and success drive an understanding of the impact of HRM on the business and effective practical HRM implementation.”
He considers himself highly skilled at developing and aligning business and HRM objectives, strategies, systems, plans and engaging stakeholders to deliver results.
Aside from his professional experience, Peter also has an impressive academic resume, earning a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science from the University of South Australia, a graduate diploma in Ergonomics and an MBA from the University of New South Wales, and a Master of Human Resources from the Monash University with a high distinction average.