Employee Relations Manager

Page Executive; City Of Karratha, Perth; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Regional benefits

Job summary

Pilbara Ports Authority is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead ER and IR across the organisation, reporting to the Executive General Manager Safety, People and Environment. The role covers strategic leadership in ER, industrial relations and enterprise bargaining across multiple ports within the Pilbara network.

The role focuses on constructive engagement with employees, unions and leadership, shaping contemporary ER/IR practices in a complex operational environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience across employee relations and industrial relations.
• Proven track record leading enterprise bargaining negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, enterprise agreements, awards and modern workplace practices.
• Experience managing complex investigations and workplace disputes.
• Ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Strong governance experience and focus on fair, practical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations and industrial relations activities across the organisation.
• Drive enterprise bargaining negotiations with unions and bargaining representatives.
• Provide strategic guidance on ER/IR governance, policies and processes.
• Manage sensitive employee relations matters with fairness and transparency.
• Support constructive engagement with employees, unions and stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative developments and translate requirements into practical guidance.

Job description

This newly created role will see you lead the Employee Relations function while working with the broader HR and leadership team to deliver strategic, practical and commercial solutions across the Pilbara Ports workforce.

Pilbara Ports is the world's largest bulk export port authority, encompassing the operating ports of Port Hedland, Dampier, Ashburton, Varanus Island. Their integrated network of ports connects the resources, industries and communities of the Pilbara with global markets. They play a central role in supporting one of Australia's most important trade regions.

They operate safe, efficient and globally competitive ports, maintain critical infrastructure, support maritime safety and plan for future growth. Through their operations, planning and partnerships, they help create value for their customers, communities and the State.

People are the key to their current and future success. Pilbara Ports continues to focus on building a diverse and inclusive workforce, reflecting their commitment to creating an environment where their people are engaged, included, valued and respected. They are a values driven organisation focused on safety, excellence, teamwork, integrity and care. These values shape how they work with customers, government, First Nations peoples, industry partners, communities and each other.

As the organisation continues to evolve, a newly created opportunity has arisen for an Employee Relations Manager to lead employee and industrial relations across the business.

Description

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Safety, People and Environment, the Employee Relations Manager provides strategic and specialist leadership across employee relations, industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.

This is a highly visible and influential role, working closely with senior leaders, People and Capability professionals, employees, workplace representatives and unions. Combining strategic leadership with deep technical expertise, the role will positively and constructively shape contemporary ER and IR practices within a complex operational environment.

Their employees are critical to their success. The Employee Relations Manager has an important leadership role in strengthening employee relations, supporting constructive engagement and ensuring our approach to workplace relations enables both our people and the organisation to succeed. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead a constructive, compliant and relationship-based approach to employee relations and industrial relations activities across the organisation.
• Continuously improve existing constructive relationships with Pilbara Ports employees. Supporting consultation committees and positive workforce engagement.
• Manage complex and sensitive employee relations matters fairly, consistently and transparently, supporting constructive workplace outcomes while appropriately managing legal, operational and employee-related aspects.
• With support from the Executive General Manager, lead enterprise bargaining negotiations, including constructive and good-faith engagement with employees, bargaining representatives and unions. Lead and support leaders in the implementation of enterprise agreements.
• Maintain productive relationships with employees, bargaining representatives and unions.
• Identify emerging employee relations issues and workplace trends, and recommend early, constructive and lawful responses that support positive employment relationships.
• Support workforce engagement activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across ER and IR governance, frameworks, policies and processes.
• Monitor legislative developments and translate complex requirements into contemporary and practical business guidance.

Profile

You will be an experienced ER/IR professional with a proven track record operating within large, complex and multi-site environments.

You bring:

• Extensive experience across employee relations and industrial relations.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise bargaining negotiations.
• Strong working knowledge of the Fair Work Act, enterprise agreements, awards, contemporary workplace legislation and modern employment practices.
• Experience managing complex investigations, disciplinary matters and workplace disputes.
• The ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Strong governance experience and capability and a focus on fair, practical and commercially sound outcomes.

Job Offer

This newly created permanent role will provide an opportunity for you to positively and constructively lead ER and IR across the organisation. The role can be based in either Karratha or Perth. This role will require frequent travel between the Pilbara and Perth.

A competitive salary and superannuation will be offered to the successful candidate. If based in Karratha, an additional allowance, relocation package and other regional benefits will apply.

This exciting role is a fantastic opportunity for a highly capable and experienced employee relations professional to make their mark in a complex, challenging and rewarding operation.