Employee Relations Lead

Sydney Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 138,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellbeing support

Parental leave benefits

Private health insurance discount

Novated leasing

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking a Workplace Relations Case Management Specialist (ER Lead) to manage complex employee and industrial relations matters. You will provide expert guidance on employment legislation, enterprise agreements, contracts and policies, and lead investigations with a view to compliant, risk-based outcomes.

The role supports enterprise bargaining, union engagement and roadmaps, partnering with leaders to resolve issues, minimise risk and drive continuous improvements in workplace

Qualifications

• Experience providing employee relations/IR advice within a complex organisation.
• Ability to partner with leaders to deliver effective people outcomes.
• Experience interpreting employment policies and laws, including Fair Work Act and Modern Awards.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee and industrial relations matters, incl investigations, disputes and litigation.
• Provide expert advice on legislation, enterprise agreements, contracts, and policies.
• Lead workplace investigations and Fair Work Commission matters with due process.

Skills

Employee relations

Industrial relations

Stakeholder engagement

Policy interpretation

Employment law

Investigation skills

Education

HR/IR/Law degree

Job description

• Join a newly formed Workplace Relations team that partners with key stakeholders across Sydney Water on complex employee and industrial relations matters.
• Collaborative, practical team focused on building capability, sharing knowledge and delivering sound outcomes.
• EA 16 (35 hours) - $153,348.95 + super. Parramatta based with hybrid working available

About the Role

The Workplace Relations Case Management Specialist (ER Lead) manages complex employee and industrial relations matters, including investigations, disputes, organisational change, Fair Work Commission proceedings, and employment-related litigation. The role provides specialist advice on employment legislation, enterprise agreements, contracts, and workplace policies to achieve compliant, risk-based, and commercially sound outcomes.

The position supports enterprise bargaining, union engagement, and Workplace Relations Roadmap initiatives while partnering with leaders to resolve workplace issues, minimise organisational risk, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement in workplace relations practices.

NB. This role is titled Workplace Relations Case Management Specialist internally.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee and industrial relations matters, including investigations, performance, misconduct, grievances, organisational change, disputes, and litigation.
• Provide expert advice on employment legislation, enterprise agreements, awards, contracts, policies, and workplace relations risks.
• Lead workplace investigations and Fair Work Commission matters, ensuring procedural fairness, compliant processes, and defensible outcomes.
• Support enterprise bargaining, agreement implementation, and union engagement to achieve effective and sustainable workplace outcomes.
• Develop and maintain workplace relations policies, governance frameworks, compliance documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build capability and trusted stakeholder relationships by mentoring advisors and providing clear, risk-based advice to leaders, employees, and unions.

About You

You will hold a further qualification in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, Business, Law or a related discipline (and ideally Postgraduate qualifications or specialised studies in Employee Relations, Industrial Relations or Employment Law)

In addition, we are looking for:

• Experience providing employee relations, industrial relations, or human resources advice within a complex organisational environment.
• Demonstrated capability managing employee relations matters, including performance, misconduct, grievances, policy interpretation, and workplace investigations.
• Proven ability to partner with leaders to deliver effective people and business outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience interpreting and applying employment policies, procedures, and related documentation.
• Experience interpreting and applying the Fair Work Act, Enterprise Agreements, Modern Awards, and other industrial relations frameworks.
• Experience supporting organisational change, union engagement, consultation processes, and enterprise bargaining activities.

Does this sound like you?

Applications close 27th September 2026 at 11.59PM AEST

We support you throughout the application process and can provide adjustments where required. For more information, please contact Marc Evans, Talent Acquisition Partner at [e-mail]

Please refer to the JOB PROFILE for full role accountabilities.

Dive into Our Great Benefits

• Competitive Remuneration: We'll ensure your skills and contributions are recognised and rewarded.
• Hybrid Work Environment: A flexible balance of office collaboration and remote working.
• Continuous Professional Growth: Access to leadership and development programs to support your career.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Free and confidential wellbeing services for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Access affordable health cover options.
• Family First: Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave and childcare support benefits.
• Fitness Passport: Access to a wide network of gyms and aquatic centres across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Flexible vehicle financing options to support your lifestyle.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’s Terms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’sPrivacy Collection Statement – recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.