- Lead complex ER matters end-to-end, from investigations to workplace disputes
- Lead enterprise bargaining and act as key liaison with unions
- Coach senior leaders on workplace risk, change and compliance
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well established and highly recognised Australian retail group with a significant national footprint. They are seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations Specialist to join their People Experience team, reporting to the Head of People Experience. This is a newly created role offering genuine scope to lead ER/IR strategy and enterprise bargaining for a business of real scale.
About the Role
This is a hands on, end to end ER/IR role for a specialist who wants ownership, not just advisory input. You will lead complex employee relations matters from investigation through to resolution, act as the key liaison with unions and external industrial representatives, and lead enterprise bargaining activities for the distribution centre. You'll also provide expert coaching to leaders on workplace risk, organisational change and compliance, while contributing to broader People projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex ER matters including investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances, misconduct matters and workplace disputes, balancing legislative compliance with commercial outcomes
- Lead enterprise bargaining activities for the Distribution Centre, including strategy development, negotiation preparation, union engagement and consultation processes
- Act as the key point of contact for unions and external industrial representatives, managing relationships and disputes professionally and autonomously
- Provide expert ER/IR advice and coaching to leaders on workplace risk, organisational change and compliance obligations
- Prepare and review ER correspondence including allegation letters, outcome letters and consultation documentation
- Monitor changes to employment legislation, Awards and case law, proactively identifying risks and business actions
- Partner with leaders on organisational change processes including restructures and workforce planning
- Contribute to continuous improvement of People processes, frameworks and documentation
About You
- Strong working knowledge of the Fair Work Act, General Retail Industry Award 2020 and enterprise agreements
- Demonstrated experience managing complex ER matters and workplace investigations end to end
- Proven experience autonomously managing union relationships and enterprise bargaining negotiations
- Retail industry experience is essential
- Prior experience in a dedicated ER/IR role, or an HR Business Partner role with significant ER/IR exposure
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and conflict resolution skills
- Strong written communication skills, particularly around investigation outcomes and formal correspondence
