Employee Relations & Industrial Relations Lead

Veolia; New South Wales; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in environmental solutions, a well-established organization in Australia, is seeking an experienced ER/IR specialist to enhance employee and industrial relations. The candidate will provide expert advice, lead negotiations, and manage complex workplace matters. Responsibilities include coaching HR teams and addressing Fair Work claims. The role offers comprehensive benefits, a flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional development, making a positive impact on the organization and the community.

Benefits

Generous paid parental leave

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• High level experience as an ER/IR practitioner in a large organization.
• Expert advice on interpretation of legislation and enterprise agreements.
• Experience leading enterprise agreement negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ER/IR advice to stakeholders.
• Lead enterprise agreement negotiations.
• Manage end-to-end Fair Work claims.

Skills

Expert advice on ER/IR

Data-driven decision making

Negotiation skills

Complex workplace investigation

Union management

Education

Tertiary qualification in HR/IR

Job description

About Veolia

Create positive change. Be a champion of Ecological Transformation.

Join Veolia

Join Veolia, a global leader with over 170 years of experience, operating in 40+ countries with 220,000 employees worldwide, including 6,500 staff across 300 sites in Australia and New Zealand. As part of our team, you'll contribute to crucial environmental solutions through our innovative Water, Waste, Energy and Industrial Services, helping protect the environment and address essential human needs for a sustainable future.

The Opportunity

We don’t let anything go to waste, your potential included!

This is the perfect opportunity for an experienced ER / IR specialist who is ready to elevate their career with a large and varied organisation. In this newly created position, we’re looking for a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity and brings a data driven approach.

This role will be pivotal in shaping how we engage, negotiate and build trust across the organisation. Your work will help drive a sophisticated approach in delivering a full spectrum of employee and industrial relations activities, building knowledge and capability across all lines of business. Your demonstrable experience across ER / IR will also extend to management of Fair Work claims, disputes, bargaining and EA management and negotiation.

What's on offer

• Help strategically elevate the ER / IR function
• Widely varied role with blue and white collar exposure
• Global company and household name brand

What you'll be responsible for

Provide expert day to day ER / IR advice to key stakeholders including Line Managers, HR Managers and HR Business Partners, in a diverse and fast paced environment.

Provide coaching, support and training to Managers and key HR team members across all areas of ER / IR, including in the planning and negotiation of enterprise agreements.

Advise, participate and lead enterprise agreement negotiations as required.

End to end claim management (e.g Fair Work, AHRC), including drafting responses to claims and completing submissions.

Provide advocacy in the Fair Work Commission and other workplace tribunals as required.

Coach and provide expert advice and support on case management and complex workplace investigations.

Advise, participate and lead dispute resolution processes as required.

Advise, manage and participate in complex Union matters and drive effective resolution of disputes.

Gather and analyse key data metrics to take data driven decisions.

What you'll need to be successful

Tertiary qualification in HR / IR or equivalent industry experience in a similar role.

Demonstrated high level experience as an ER / IR practitioner in a large organisation.

Demonstrated experience in providing expert advice re interpretation of legislation, awards, enterprise agreements and industrial relations strategy.

Demonstrated high level experience in supporting and conducting complex workplace investigations and disciplinary matters.

Demonstrated high level experience in Enterprise Agreement negotiations.

Demonstrated experience interacting and advocating in the Fair Work Commission and / or other industrial tribunals.

Varied experience in managing complex Union matters, demonstrating effective resolution of disputes.

Why Veolia?

At Veolia, we support our people both at work and beyond. Enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits designed to help you thrive, including :

Benefits

• Generous paid parental leave and paid volunteer days
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Superannuation contributions on unpaid parental leave
• Fitness Passport and discounted health insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (Thrive) for you and your family
• Car allowances, novated leasing, and vehicle discounts
• Bonus and referral programs, plus employee share plan

Ongoing professional development and clear career pathways

Veolia is committed to ensuring every employee returns home safely every day under our Always Safe Charter.

Join a team that values your wellbeing, growth, and contribution—while making a real impact on the environment and our communities.

Fairness, Diversity & Inclusion

Veolia is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and accessible environment. If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

Discover more about our benefits, culture, and commitment to diversity at anz.veolia.com / careers.

We value your interest in our employment opportunities and commit to respond to all applications.

Veolia is committed to conducting recruitment in a fair, ethical and transparent manner based solely on merit. Candidates with direct or indirect personal / professional ties to Veolia and / or any third party related to Veolia business (including but not limited to Veolia's suppliers, customers, partners and competitors) must disclose this information.