Senior Advisor - Workplace Relations

Tandem Partners Pty Ltd.; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem Partners Pty Ltd. is seeking a Senior Workplace Relations Advisor to join a large, multi-site organisation across Australia.

The role focuses on delivering practical workplace relations support and shaping how the function operates into the future. You will manage complex employee and workplace relations matters end-to-end, provide pragmatic advice on the Fair Work Act, and partner with leaders to assess risk and develop solutions that balance compliance with commercial needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in a large, multi-site environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, NES, modern awards.
• Experience across Australian jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to manage investigations and complex employee relations matters.
• Ability to influence leaders and build capability.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee and workplace relations matters end-to-end, including misconduct, performance management and investigations.
• Provide pragmatic and technically sound advice on the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, modern awards, enterprise agreements and other relevant legislation.
• Partner with leaders to assess workplace relations risk and develop practical, lawful and human-centred solutions.
• Prepare submissions and represent the organisation in matters before the Fair Work Commission and other tribunals.
• Coach and guide leaders through workplace relations matters, building confidence and capability to manage issues.
• Draft, review and enhance workplace relations policies, procedures and employment documentation.
• Identify emerging and systemic workplace relations issues and recommend improvements to processes and ways of working.

Skills

Workplace relations

Industrial instruments

Fair Work Act

Discipline & investigations

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Union engagement

HR policy

Due diligence

Job description

Full Job Description

Opportunity to join a large, complex and evolving organisation with a significant multi-site footprint across Australia. Experiencing a period of growth and organisational change, the business is continuing to mature the way its People function delivers specialist support and capability to its leaders.

A dedicated workplace relations function has recently been established. Working closely with the National Workplace Relations Lead, the Senior Workplace Relations Advisor will play an important role in both delivering high-quality workplace relations support and helping shape how the function operates into the future.

This is a hands‑on role encompassing the full spectrum of workplace relations, including complex case management, investigations, performance and conduct matters, fitness for work, industrial instrument interpretation, union engagement and Fair Work Commission matters. The position will provide practical workplace relations advice to leaders and People teams, balancing legislative requirements, commercial and operational considerations, risk and employee outcomes.

You will also have the opportunity to influence workplace relations frameworks, policies and processes and build greater capability amongst leaders and the broader People function.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee and workplace relations matters end-to-end, including misconduct, performance management, grievances, workplace investigations, disciplinary processes and fitness for work matters.
• Provide pragmatic and technically sound advice on the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, modern awards, enterprise agreements, employment contracts and other relevant employment legislation.
• Partner with leaders to assess workplace relations risk and develop practical, lawful and human‑centred solutions.
• Prepare submissions and represent the organisation in matters before the Fair Work Commission and other relevant tribunals.
• Coach and guide leaders through workplace relations matters, building their confidence and capability to manage issues effectively and consistently.
• Draft, review and enhance workplace relations policies, procedures, guidance materials and employment documentation.
• Identify emerging and systemic workplace relations issues and recommend improvements to processes and ways of working.
• Interpret enterprise agreements and industrial instruments and contribute to broader industrial relations activity, including union engagement and industrial disputes.

About you

• Previous experience operating within a large, complex and multi-site environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, modern awards, enterprise agreements and Australian employment legislation.
• Experience operating across multiple Australian jurisdictions and providing workplace relations support at scale.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex investigations, performance, conduct and broader employee relations matters.
• Experience preparing submissions and responding to matters before the Fair Work Commission, including conciliation.
• Exposure to unionised environments and industrial instruments, with experience supporting enterprise bargaining or broader industrial relations activity advantageous.
• Experience within healthcare, critical services or other complex and highly regulated operating environments will be highly regarded.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to establish credibility with stakeholders ranging from frontline leaders through to executives.
• A pragmatic and commercial approach, with the judgement to assess risk.
• A collaborative and human‑centred style, with the resilience to navigate challenging conversations and competing stakeholder perspectives.
• The confidence to work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment while remaining curious, adaptable and open to new ways of working.
• Strong written communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and analytical skills.