Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

About the role

ACCIONA is seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Relations Advisor to join its team in Mudgee, NSW, supporting the delivery of a major infrastructure project. This is a hands-on, site-based role focused on union engagement, right of entry and maintaining positive workplace relationships. It is the primary point of contact for union representatives on site, working with project leadership, site management and HR teams to manage industrial risks in line with legislation and industrial instruments.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for union representatives, managing day-to-day union engagement and activity across the site.
• Coordinate and manage union right of entry requests, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and site protocols.
• Provide practical industrial relations advice to project leadership, supervisors and site management.
• Identify emerging industrial risks early, develop mitigation strategies and manage issues before they escalate.
• Support the resolution of industrial disputes, grievances and workplace issues.
• Monitor compliance with Enterprise Agreements, the Fair Work Act and relevant industrial legislation.
• Support industrial relations matters involving subcontractors and their workforce.
• Maintain accurate records of union interactions, right of entry notices and industrial matters.
• Work with the wider HR/IR team to keep a consistent approach across the project.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience as an Industrial Relations Advisor or Senior IR Advisor, ideally on major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience managing union engagement, right of entry, industrial disputes and workplace matters in a heavily unionised construction environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, Enterprise Agreements and union right of entry provisions.
• Confidence engaging with union officials and senior project stakeholders, including handling challenging industrial situations.
• Ability to work autonomously and adapt to changing site requirements.
• Preference for candidates who are locally based or willing to relocate to the Mudgee region.

Required skills

• Strong negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to sensitive and complex industrial matters.