Job description
Join a leading manufacturing firm as a Senior Industrial Relations Specialist in Melbourne, Australia. You will drive IR strategy, lead negotiations, and ensure compliance with employment laws across multiple sites. This role blends policy, advocacy, and pragmatic problem solving to support a high-performance culture.
We seek a collaborative, results-driven professional who can translate complex regulations into practical business outcomes and build trusted partnerships with leadership, unions, and employee representatives.
Responsibility
- Develop and execute industrial relations strategies across operations, including collective bargaining, policy development, and dispute resolution.
- Lead negotiations with unions, worker representatives, and regulatory bodies to secure favorable outcomes for the business while maintaining compliance.
- Provide expert guidance on Employment Standards, workplace safety, and Australian Fair Work Act compliance.
- Advise senior leadership on risk assessment, change management, and policy updates affecting labor relations.
- Manage IR communications, including briefing materials, newsletters, and stakeholder updates across sites.
- Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Operations to resolve grievances, investigations, and performance matters.
- Monitor IR trends, regulatory changes, and industry best practices to inform strategic planning.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, or related field; Master's preferred.
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in industrial relations, labor law, or HR leadership in manufacturing.
- Proven track record in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and policy development.
- Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, workplace safety, and compliance frameworks in Australia.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills with diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex regulations into practical business guidance.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.