Workplace Relations Specialist

Workplace Relations Specialist Local Government | Industrial Relations | Workplace Investigations Join a large and complex NSW local government organisation and make a genuine impact across workplace relations, industrial relations and employee matters.

We are seeking an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to provide trusted, specialist advice across a diverse workforce and support managers and employees through complex workplace relations matters.

This is an opportunity for an experienced IR/ER professional who enjoys working in a hands-on advisory environment, navigating complex issues, building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering practical outcomes.

The Opportunity You will work closely with People & Culture Business Partners and leaders across the organisation to provide expert advice on industrial and workplace relations matters.

You will play a key role in identifying and managing IR risks, resolving workplace issues and ensuring policies and practices remain compliant with legislation, Awards and best practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing specialist advice and coaching to managers and employees on workplace and industrial relations matters.
• Interpreting the Local Government (State) Award, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Advising on complex matters including performance management, misconduct, grievances, disputes, discrimination, harassment and personal illness.
• Managing and conducting end-to-end workplace investigations, including coordinating external investigations where appropriate.
• Proactively identifying emerging industrial relations risks and developing practical solutions.
• Supporting the resolution of complex workplace issues and industrial disputes.
• Managing grievance processes and supporting positive workplace relationships.
• Consulting and negotiating with unions on workplace issues, grievances and disputes.
• Coaching and educating managers on IR legislation, Award requirements and organisational policies.
• Providing advice on remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and annualised salary arrangements.
• Assisting with research and preparation for matters before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
• Reviewing and updating People & Culture policies and procedures in consultation with relevant subject matter experts, Legal and Governance.
• Maintaining accurate data and reporting on grievances, investigations and industrial relations activity.
• Supporting broader People & Culture projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You You will be an experienced workplace or industrial relations professional with a strong understanding of the complexities of working within a large, unionised environment.

To be successful, you will bring:

• A degree qualification in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years' experience in a similar Workplace/Industrial Relations role or senior HR generalist position.
• Demonstrated IR experience within a large, complex and unionised organisation, ideally supporting both blue- and white-collar workforces.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of industrial relations legislation, Awards and workplace relations practices.
• Experience managing formal complaints, grievances and complex workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and employment conditions.
• The ability to research and interpret legislation, case law, enterprise agreements, Awards, policies and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to analyse remuneration, allowances, penalties and different employment scenarios.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Why Consider This Opportunity? This is a chance to join a high-profile local government organisation where workplace relations plays an important role in supporting a diverse workforce and delivering organisational outcomes.

You will work alongside an experienced People & Culture team and have the opportunity to influence how workplace relations matters are managed, while providing practical advice that makes a difference to leaders and employees.

If you are an experienced IR/ER specialist who enjoys solving complex workplace issues, influencing stakeholders and working in a collaborative environment, we would like to hear from you.

Location: Western Sydney
Employment: Full-time