Industrial Relations Specialist

Gladstone Regional Council; Gladstone Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gladstone Regional Council is seeking a permanent full-time Industrial Relations Specialist to shape its future approach to industrial relations in a newly created role. You will lead strategic IR initiatives, including negotiations of certified agreements, and transform workplace insights into meaningful organisational change.

The role provides specialist oversight of complex matters and risk management while ensuring timely and effective handling of investigations and implementation of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline.
• Significant experience providing specialist industrial relations advice and managing complex, high-risk IR matters.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist oversight and assurance across Council's complex and high-risk employee matters.
• Monitor investigations including Public Interest Disclosures and certified agreement negotiations.
• Translate workplace insights into organisational change and improvements.

Skills

Judgment & diplomacy

Stakeholder engagement

IR knowledge

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/IR or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR systems

Job description

Gladstone Regional Council – Gladstone QLD

Gladstone offers dynamic career opportunities across diverse industries, catering to a range of skills and ambitions. Whether you're advancing your career or seeking work-life balance, Gladstone's industrial strength, innovative energy projects, and bustling service sectors make it a fantastic place to work and live.

You’ll be glad you made it!

Discover a fulfilling career at Gladstone Regional Council, where your dedication to community service merges with our commitment to improving residents’ lives. Every role contributes to the livelihood of those who call Gladstone home.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the entire community we serve. At Gladstone Regional Council, we embrace diversity in our collective pursuit of inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or background, can thrive. As a child safe organisation, Gladstone Regional Council are committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people. Inclusion is at the heart of our culture.

View our Access and Inclusion Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Join our supportive and collaborative culture where your well-being comes first. We’re committed to nurturing your holistic wellness through health programs and events, our culture journey and flexible working options.

We partnerwith our people to understand their needs and provide the tools that develop skills, knowledge and healthy culture. Our people are valued for the part they play in delivering for the Gladstone Region. We are proud of who we are and what we do. We are #ProudlyGRC!

Find out more here Better Balance, Better Benefits with GRC

Industrial Relations Specialist

Council is seeking to appoint a permanent full time Industrial Relations Specialist to contribute to Council’s success.

Shape Council's future approach to industrial relations in a newly created specialist role

Lead strategic industrial relations initiatives, including Certified Agreement negotiations

Transform workplace insights into meaningful organisational change

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to provide specialist oversight and assurance across Council's complex and high-risk employee matters, ensuring consistent, timely and effective management of organisational risk.

The position maintains end-to-end visibility across major industrial relations investigations including, Public Interest Disclosures, significant industrial matters and relevant psychosocial risk cases; monitors quality, consistency, timeliness and implementation of recommendations; identifies systemic themes and emerging risks; and leads Council’s certified agreement negotiations.

You will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline, and/or extensive demonstrated experience and knowledge.
• Significant experience providing specialist industrial relations advice and managing complex, sensitive and high-risk industrial relations matters and investigations in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a specialist industrial relations advisor, influencing senior stakeholders and organisational decision-making.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated application of relevant industrial relations legislation, frameworks and best practice.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing industrial relations frameworks, policies and systems that improve organisational outcomes and mitigate risk.
• High‑level analytical, negotiation and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to assess risk and provide practical, defensible solutions.
• Proven ability to analyse data and translate it into clear, meaningful insights to inform decision‑making at all levels of the organisation.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credible, effective working relationships and influence outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with a high level of discretion, professionalism and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Proficient keyboard skills and experience using Microsoft Office Suite and operating corporate business systems.
• Legally able to drive a motor vehicle in Queensland.

Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks

• To be eligible for this position, the candidate must have applicable working rights.
• Depending on the role requirements, you may need to complete various checks and assessments as part of the recruitment process. This could include reference checks, pre-employment medicals (including drug and alcohol testing), vaccinations, visa checks, licence verifications and psychometric testing. We welcome you to disclose any reasonable adjustments that may be required throughout the recruitment process.

For questions related to the role or recruitment process, please call Council on (07) 4970 0*** or email the Talent Acquisition Team at **********@gladstone.qld.gov.au.