Head of ER/IR

The Next Step Recruitment Company; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contractor or fixed-term

Flexible engagement

Senior leadership exposure

Job summary

The Next Step Recruitment Company in Sydney is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a critical workplace relations program during a period of growth. Reporting to a senior executive, you will shape IR strategy, support enterprise bargaining initiatives, and provide expert advice on risk and compliance while partnering with operational leaders.

This 4–6 month contract offers flexibility and the chance to influence a national organisation's people agenda,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ER/IR experience with enterprise bargaining
• Experience working with unions and employee representative groups
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and workplace relations frameworks
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational environments

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial relations initiatives and enterprise bargaining preparations.
• Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure agreements support future business needs.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and provide expert advice on risk and compliance.
• Support the enhancement of Respect at Work and workplace relations frameworks.
• Coach and upskill HR and business leaders on employee relations best practice.
• Build trusted relationships across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce.

Skills

Enterprise bargaining

Industrial relations

Australian employment law

Stakeholder management

Unions liaison

Employee relations

Risk & compliance

Job description

The Next Step Recruitment Company – Sydney CBD NSW

Sydney CBD | 4-6 Month Contract | Potential Extension or Convert to Perm

About the Role

A large, nationally recognised organisation is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a critical workplace relations program during a period of growth and transformation. This newly created role has been established to provide specialist ER/IR expertise, allowing the broader People & Culture team to focus on strategic business partnering priorities. Reporting to a senior executive leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping industrial relations strategy, supporting enterprise bargaining initiatives, and enhancing organisational capability across employee relations.

The Opportunity

This is a highly visible role where you'll work closely with senior stakeholders to:

• Lead industrial relations initiatives and enterprise bargaining preparations.
• Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure agreements support future business needs.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and provide expert advice on risk and compliance.
• Support the enhancement of Respect at Work and workplace relations frameworks.
• Coach and upskill HR and business leaders on employee relations best practice.
• Build trusted relationships across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce.

About You

You are a seasoned ER/IR professional who combines strong technical expertise with a pragmatic and collaborative approach.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.
• Experience working with unions and employee representative groups.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and workplace relations frameworks.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused style and the confidence to work autonomously.

This role could suit an experienced IR specialist seeking an interesting project assignment, or a high-performing ER/IR professional ready to step into a broader leadership role.

About Culture & Benefits

• Immediate start opportunity.
• High-profile role with significant organisational impact.
• Supportive executive leadership team.
• Flexible engagement options (contractor or fixed-term considered).

If you enjoy building capability, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and driving meaningful workplace relations outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.