Head of ER/IR
- Lead industrial relations initiatives and enterprise bargaining preparations.
- Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
- Manage complex employee relations matters and provide expert advice on risk and compliance.
Sydney CBD| 4-6 Month Contract | Potential Extension or convert to perm
About the Role
A large, nationally recognised organisation is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a critical workplace relations program during a period of growth and transformation.
This newly created role has been established to provide specialist ER/IR expertise, allowing the broader People & Culture team to focus on strategic business partnering priorities. Reporting to a senior executive leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping industrial relations strategy, supporting enterprise bargaining initiatives, and enhancing organisational capability across employee relations.
The Opportunity
This is a highly visible role where you'll work closely with senior stakeholders to:
- Lead industrial relations initiatives and enterprise bargaining preparations.
- Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
- Partner with operational leaders to ensure agreements support future business needs.
- Manage complex employee relations matters and provide expert advice on risk and compliance.
- Support the enhancement of 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 and geographically dispersed workforce.
About You
You are a seasoned ER/IR professional who combines strong technical expertise with a pragmatic and collaborative approach.
You will bring:
- Demonstrated experience in industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.
- Experience working with unions and employee representative groups.
- Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and workplace relations frameworks.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational environments.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- A hands-on, solutions-focused style and the confidence to work autonomously.
This role could suit an experienced IR specialist seeking an interesting project assignment, or a high-performing ER/IR professional ready to step into a broader leadership role.
About Culture & Benefits
- Immediate start opportunity.
- High-profile role with significant organisational impact.
- Supportive executive leadership team.
- Flexible engagement options (contractor or fixed-term considered).
If you enjoy building capability, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and driving meaningful workplace relations outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
About Applying
Click "Apply for this job" below to apply for this role.
For specific questions about this role, please contact Vicki Treeby on 042 0711 638
We vet all employer accounts and do our best to keep job ads safe, but scams can still occur. Be cautious when sharing personal information — never provide financial details or make payments during the application process. For extra security, use the Apply button on our site when proceeding.