HR & Employee Relations Advisor

Opal Healthcare; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Opal HealthCare is seeking a proactive People & Culture Advisor to partner with NSW care communities, providing expert guidance on performance, engagement, development and employee relations to shape a positive workplace culture.

This 12-month fixed-term role will coach managers on ER/IR issues, deliver training, ensure policy compliance, investigate complaints, analyse HR data and contribute to organisational change initiatives. NSW-based, hybrid/onsite options available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a generalist HR role with proven IR/ER case management.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of industrial relations frameworks and healthcare sector.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to provide advice on HR matters, including performance, engagement, and employee relations.
• Coach and mentor managers on complex ER/IR issues, investigations, and performance management.
• Deliver training and resources to build leadership capability and support organisational change initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, aged care standards, and industrial instruments.
• Investigate and resolve complaints promptly to mitigate risk and maintain a safe, respectful workplace.
• Analyse HR data (turnover, absenteeism) and provide actionable insights to improve business performance.
• Manage industrial claims and ensure compliance with remuneration bandings and enterprise agreements.

Skills

HR Generalist

IR/ER expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching & mentoring

Data interpretation

Training program delivery

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

Take the next step in your People & Culture career with one of Australia's leading aged care providers.

“At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don’t succeed, people do.”

If you're passionate about supporting leaders, empowering teams, and creating positive workplace cultures.

Opal HealthCare is one of Australia’s largest residential aged care providers, with 148 Care Communities across five states and a national team of over 24,000 dedicated professionals, we're changing lives every day. Our commitment to innovation drives us to pioneer new solutions, reshaping the way we care for our residents.

We’re seeking a proactive and experienced People & Culture Advisor to join our team at Opal. This role is pivotal in partnering with leaders and teams across NSW care communities to provide expert guidance and solutions on a wide range of people matters, including performance, engagement, development, and employee relations.

About the Role:

You’ll play a key role in shaping Opal’s culture by role-modelling behaviours aligned with our Purpose and Values, while delivering high-quality support to our Care Communities.

• Partner with leaders to provide advice on HR matters, including performance, engagement, and employee relations.
• Coach and mentor managers on complex ER/IR issues, investigations, and performance management.
• Deliver training and resources to build leadership capability and support organisational change initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, aged care standards, and industrial instruments.
• Investigate and resolve complaints promptly to mitigate risk and maintain a safe, respectful workplace.
• Analyse HR data (turnover, absenteeism) and provide actionable insights to improve business performance.
• Manage industrial claims and ensure compliance with remuneration bandings and enterprise agreements.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover parental leave, with the possibility of extension, subject to business growth.

About You:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a generalist HR role with proven IR/ER case management
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to coach, develop, and resolve workplace conflict effectively
• Skilled in data interpretation and delivering training programs
• Knowledge of industrial relations frameworks and healthcare sector
• Demonstrated capability to lead IR/ER matters end-to-end and build leadership capability
• Tertiary qualification in HR or related discipline; current Police and NDIS checks

What can we offer you?

At Opal HealthCare, we're all about creating a nurturing work environment that encourages innovation, growth, and camaraderie. Here's what you'll enjoy:

• Fun & Inclusive Team: Join a diverse and professional team united by our purpose to bring joy to those we care for
• Professional Growth: Join a supportive and collaborative team, where your career development is a priority. We offer opportunities for advancement and skill enhancement
• Inspiring Leadership: Engaged leaders who support and champion your growth
• Learning Culture: Commitment to your development and ongoing education
• Purpose-Driven: Be part of shaping the future of aged care and improving lives