Employment Relations Manager

Talent; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent International is seeking an experienced Employment Relations Manager to lead an HR Advisory function, providing expert advice on employment and industrial relations matters while supporting senior leaders with complex workplace issues, policy interpretation and organisational compliance.

Based in Parramatta / Western Sydney, this initial contract runs until the end of February 2027 with potential extension, offering a senior role that blends strategic leadership with hands-on ER/IR

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Employment Relations, Industrial Relations or senior HR Advisory roles.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments, awards and enterprise agreements.
• Proven leadership of HR Advisory or ER/IR teams.
• Experience managing complex ER/IR cases and sensitive employee matters.
• Experience engaging and negotiating with unions and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of HR and Employment Relations professionals.
• Provide expert advice on complex ER/IR matters and policy interpretation.
• Oversee ER case management ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Prepare reports, submissions and briefing notes for senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain relationships with unions and external bodies.
• Partner with leaders to support strategic HR initiatives and process improvement.
• Identify and manage employment-related risks consistent with legislation and policies.
• Utilise HR systems and data to identify trends and inform decisions.

Skills

Employment Relations

Industrial Relations

HR Advisory Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Policy Interpretation

Education

HR/ER/Law degree

Job description

Contract: Initial contract until the end of February 2027, with possibility of further extension

Talent International is seeking an experienced Employment Relations Manager for an initial contract until the end of February 2027, with potential for further extension.

This position will lead an established HR Advisory function, providing expert advice on employment and industrial relations matters while supporting senior leaders with complex workplace issues, policy interpretation and organisational compliance.

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical ER/IR expertise with a practical, collaborative approach to leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Employment Relations Manager

Location: Parramatta / Western Sydney

Contract: Initial contract until the end of February 2027, with possibility of further extension

Talent International is seeking an experienced Employment Relations Manager for an initial contract until the end of February 2027, with potential for further extension.

This position will lead an established HR Advisory function, providing expert advice on employment and industrial relations matters while supporting senior leaders with complex workplace issues, policy interpretation and organisational compliance.

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical ER/IR expertise with a practical, collaborative approach to leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of HR and Employment Relations professionals.

• Provide expert advice on complex employment and industrial relations matters, including the interpretation of industrial instruments, policies and procedures.

• Oversee employment relations case management, ensuring matters are managed consistently and appropriately.

• Prepare high-quality reports, submissions, correspondence and briefing notes for senior leadership.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders, unions and external bodies.

• Partner with leaders across the organisation to support strategic HR initiatives and continuous improvement.

• Identify and manage employment-related risks, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies and industrial obligations.

• Support the development and improvement of HR policies, procedures and advisory processes.

• Utilise HR systems, reporting and workforce data to identify trends and support informed decision-making.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Extensive experience in Employment Relations, Industrial Relations or a senior HR Advisory position.

• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments, awards and enterprise agreements.

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing HR Advisory or ER/IR teams.

• Proven ability to manage complex employment relations cases, workplace disputes and sensitive employee matters.

• Experience engaging and negotiating with unions and senior organisational stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to provide practical, commercially considered advice.

• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Law or a related discipline.

What’s on offer?

• Initial contract until the end of February 2027, with potential for further extension.

• Opportunity to lead and develop an HR Advisory function.

• Work closely with senior leadership on complex employment and industrial relations matters.

• Influence employment relations practices, policies and organisational improvements.

• A senior role offering a combination of strategic leadership and hands‑on ER/IR responsibilities.