Specialist Consultant - Workplace Relations

Origin Energy; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

21 weeks parental leave

Additional annual leave up to 4 weeks

Discounted Origin electricity, gas and

Internet plans

EV subscription benefits

Job summary

Origin Energy is seeking an experienced workplace relations professional to lead complex ER/IR matters in a large, unionised environment. You will work with leaders to deliver practical, risk-aware solutions and shape Origin's people strategy.

You'll influence enterprise bargaining, manage investigations and support major organisational change within a nationwide setting across multiple states.

Qualifications

• 5+ years ER/IR experience in a large or unionised environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment and industrial relations law.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex employee relations matters including investigations, misconduct, grievances and performance cases.
• Provide expert ER/IR advice to leaders and build capability for positive outcomes.
• Support enterprise bargaining strategy, negotiations and implementation.
• Partner on major organisational change initiatives (restructures, mergers, acquisitions, divestments).
• Drive compliance with employment legislation, agreements and governance.
• Represent Origin in Fair Work Commission and related proceedings.

Skills

ER/IR experience

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Ambiguity navigation

Education

Law / Business / HR / Industrial Relations qualifications

Job description

• Lead complex industrial and employee relations matters shaping outcomes across Origin Energy
• Join of a dynamic, high‑energy team driving enterprise‑wide impact
• Can be Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide based

Join a team that's All Kinds of Useful

At Origin, being useful is more than a tagline - it’s how we approach work every day. As a collective, we’re a team that thrives on finding better ways, working together, and owning our impact. From powering homes to delivering award-winning internet and helping to lead Australia’s energy transition. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to be part of something bigger, we’d love to have you on the journey.

About The Role

At Origin, we're leading Australia's energy transition and our people are at the heart of making that happen. As part of our People & Culture team, you'll join a highly regarded Workplace Relations function that partners closely with leaders across the business to navigate complex workplace matters, deliver commercial outcomes, and support positive employee experiences.

This is an opportunity to work at scale in a large, unionised environment where you'll influence enterprise-wide initiatives, support significant organisational change, and play a key role in shaping Origin's people strategy.

The impact you'll make

As a trusted, experienced workplace relations practitioner, you'll partner with leaders across the business to deliver practical, risk-aware solutions on a broad range of people matters.

You will:

• Lead complex employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, misconduct, grievance and performance cases.
• Provide expert ER and IR advice to leaders, building capability and influencing positive workplace outcomes.
• Support enterprise bargaining strategy, negotiations and implementation activities.
• Partner on major organisational change initiatives, including restructures, mergers, acquisitions and divestments.
• Drive compliance with employment legislation, enterprise agreements and internal governance requirements.
• Represent and support Origin in Fair Work Commission and other employment-related proceedings.

What You'll Bring

You'll be an experienced ER/IR professional who thrives in complex environments and can balance commercial outcomes with strong people practices.

• Demonstrated ER/IR experience within a large, complex or unionised organisation (5+ years).
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment and industrial relations legislation.
• Experience managing workplace investigations and complex employee relations matters end to end.
• Proven involvement in enterprise bargaining and industrial relations strategy.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice.
• Qualifications in Law, Business, Human Resources, Employee Relations or Industrial Relations.

Experience in mediation, dispute resolution or project management will be highly regarded.

• Play a key role in shaping employee and industrial relations outcomes across a leading ASX-listed organisation.
• Work alongside a supportive, highly experienced team of ER and IR specialists.
• Influence enterprise bargaining, organisational change and business transformation initiatives.
• Thrive in a culture that supports personal and professional growth.
• Enjoy genuine flexibility and opportunities to broaden your experience across a diverse and evolving business.
• 21 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers with flexible return-to-work options.
• Purchase up to four additional weeks of annual leave.
• Access discounted Origin electricity, gas and internet plans.
• Explore employee EV subscription benefits.
• Make a meaningful impact through the Origin Foundation and community initiatives.

Origin - Where good change happens

At Origin, we’re powered by people who believe in creating change.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, gender equitable workforce, where everyone is welcome, and all applications are evaluated on merit and potential. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people living with disabilities, culturally diverse people, any stage in life, people with intersex variations and people within LGBTQ+ communities, including trans and gender diverse.

Enjoy a challenging career in an exciting industry where you can grow and explore your potential. If you think you have transferable skills, an appetite to learn and would be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s a little about us: https://www.originenergy.com.au/about/careers/

Background checks may be required to determine your suitability for this position as part of the recruitment process and during your employment. These checks may include police checks, AusCheck, medical assessment and/or drug and alcohol testing.

Please note unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be accepted.

Origin recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.