Industrial Relations Manager

The Next Step Recruitment Company; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Port Authority of NSW is seeking a credible, pragmatic senior Industrial Relations professional to lead the organisation's IR function during a significant period of enterprise bargaining and organisational evolution. You will work closely with the General Manager, People & Culture and the executive team to shape workforce outcomes through consultation, collaboration and informed decision making.

This role offers autonomy to influence across industrial and employee relations matters, with

Qualifications

• Credible IR professional with strong relationship-building and practical outcomes.
• Experience guiding enterprise bargaining and complex employee relations.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and translate policy into action.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's industrial relations function during enterprise bargaining and organisational evolution.
• Advise the executive team on workforce relations and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with People & Culture leadership to shape workforce outcomes and policies.

Skills

Industrial Relations

Stakeholder Management

Advisory Skills

Job description

The Next Step Recruitment Company – New South Wales

About Port Authority of NSW

The Next Step is delighted to partner with Port Authority of NSW on this important appointment.

Widely regarded as a destination employer, Port Authority of NSW offers complex and meaningful work, genuine influence and a supportive culture. As a relatively lean organisation, you will enjoy direct access to leaders, visibility across the business and the opportunity to influence decisions and outcomes. Unlike larger organisations, this role offers genuine breadth across industrial relations, employee relations, compliance workforce strategy and organisational initiatives.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, People & Culture, you will lead the organisation's industrial relations function during a significant period of enterprise bargaining and organisational evolution.

Working closely with a highly respected People & Culture leader and executive team, you will act as a trusted adviser across industrial and employee relations matters, helping shape workforce outcomes and support organisational success.

This is an environment where relationships matter. Success is achieved through consultation, collaboration and influence rather than confrontation. You will be given the autonomy to lead while benefiting from the support and mentorship of an experienced leadership team.

About You

You are a credible, pragmatic and relationship focused industrial relations professional who enjoys building trust, navigating complexity and delivering practical outcomes.

You may currently be an Industrial Relations Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Senior Industrial Relations Adviser or Senior Employee Relations Specialist seeking a role where you can broaden your impact and work closely with senior decision makers.

Experience within transport, aviation, maritime, energy, utilities, infrastructure, government or other unionised operational environments will be highly regarded.

Why Port Authority

Port Authority offers the opportunity to undertake high profile and strategically important work while being part of an organisation that genuinely values its people.

• A highly visible and influential role
• Direct partnership with an experienced and supportive People & Culture leader
• Flexibility, trust and a healthy approach to work and wellbeing
• Exposure to unique and essential maritime operations
• Investment in learning, development and long term career growth
• A collaborative culture built on respect, partnership and accountability

Most importantly, you will join a leadership team that is approachable, authentic and committed to creating an environment where people can perform at their best while building rewarding and sustainable careers.

Additional information

• Lead high profile enterprise bargaining initiatives & shape the future IR agenda
• Partner with a respected P&C leader in a collaborative, down to earth environmen
• Meaningful strategic work, flexibility and genuine influence across the org