Strategic ER/IR Lead — Change, Union Partnerships

The Next Step Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Next Step Recruitment is seeking an experienced Employee Relations/Industrial Relations professional to join a large, values-driven organisation in New South Wales. The role centers on advising senior leaders on ER/IR matters with a mix of operational and strategic work, including change and stakeholder engagement.

You will handle investigations, restructures, and engagement with unions, delivering pragmatic guidance while ensuring legal compliance within a complex workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience in Employee Relations or Industrial Relations across complex, unionised environments.
• Hands-on experience managing investigations, grievances, misconduct, and workplace conflict.
• Knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ER and IR advice across a broad portfolio of workforce issues.
• Manage complex investigations, grievances and workplace conduct issues.
• Support leaders through restructures and workforce change initiatives.
• Partner with unions and employee representatives.
• Support conflict resolution and workplace risk management.
• Contribute to strategic ER and IR projects across the organisation.
• Interpret industrial instruments, policies and employment legislation.

Skills

ER/IR expertise

Investigation management

Stakeholder management

Union liaison

Employment law knowledge

Job description

The Next Step Recruitment is seeking an experienced Employee Relations/Industrial Relations professional to join a large, values-driven organisation in New South Wales. The role centers on advising senior leaders on ER/IR matters with a mix of operational and strategic work, including change and stakeholder engagement.

You will handle investigations, restructures, and engagement with unions, delivering pragmatic guidance while ensuring legal compliance within a complex workplace.