Head of Employee Relations / Industrial Relations

About the role

A large, nationally recognised organisation is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a workplace relations program during a period of growth and transformation. This newly created role gives specialist ER/IR expertise so the wider People & Culture team can focus on strategic business partnering priorities. It reports to a senior executive leader and sits in Sydney CBD, on a 4-6 month contract with potential extension or conversion to permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Lead industrial relations initiatives and prepare for enterprise bargaining.
• Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
• Partner with operational leaders so agreements support future business needs.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and advise on risk and compliance.
• Support Respect at Work and workplace relations frameworks.
• Coach and upskill HR and business leaders on employee relations best practice.
• Build trusted relationships across a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.
• Experience working with unions and employee representative groups.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and work autonomously in complex environments.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and workplace relations frameworks.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Hands-on, solutions-focused style.

What we offer

• Immediate start opportunity.
• High-profile role with significant organisational impact.
• Supportive executive leadership team.
• Flexible engagement options (contractor or fixed-term considered).