Workplace Relations Specialist

Norwest Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Norwest Recruitment is seeking an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist for a large NSW local government organisation in Western Sydney. You will provide expert advice on workplace and industrial relations matters, support managers and employees, and navigate complex issues to deliver practical outcomes.

You will work with People & Culture Business Partners, identify IR risks, and manage grievances and investigations while ensuring compliance with legislation, Awards and best practice.

Qualifications

• Provides expert advice on workplace and industrial relations matters.
• Interprets the Local Government (State) Award, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Experience managing formal complaints, grievances and complex workplace investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and coaching to managers and employees on workplace and industrial relations matters.
• Interpreting legislation, policies and procedures relevant to IR/ER.
• Advising on performance management, misconduct, grievances and disputes.
• Managing end-to-end workplace investigations and coordinating external investigations when needed.
• Negotiating with unions on workplace issues, grievances and disputes.
• Coaching managers on IR legislation, Award requirements and organisational policies.
• Researching and interpreting legislation, case law, enterprise agreements and policies.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related discipline

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Workplace Relations Specialist Local Government | Industrial Relations | Workplace Investigations Join a large and complex NSW local government organisation and make a genuine impact across workplace relations, industrial relations and employee matters.

We are seeking an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to provide trusted, specialist advice across a diverse workforce and support managers and employees through complex workplace relations matters.

This is an opportunity for an experienced IR/ER professional who enjoys working in a hands‑on advisory environment, navigating complex issues, building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering practical outcomes.

The Opportunity You will work closely with People & Culture Business Partners and leaders across the organisation to provide expert advice on industrial and workplace relations matters.

You will play a key role in identifying and managing IR risks, resolving workplace issues and ensuring policies and practices remain compliant with legislation, Awards and best practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing specialist advice and coaching to managers and employees on workplace and industrial relations matters.
• Interpreting the Local Government (State) Award, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Advising on complex matters including performance management, misconduct, grievances, disputes, discrimination, harassment and personal illness.
• Managing and conducting end-to-end workplace investigations, including coordinating external investigations where appropriate.
• Proactively identifying emerging industrial relations risks and developing practical solutions.
• Supporting the resolution of complex workplace issues and industrial disputes.
• Managing grievance processes and supporting positive workplace relationships.
• Consulting and negotiating with unions on workplace issues, grievances and disputes.
• Coaching and educating managers on IR legislation, Award requirements and organisational policies.
• Providing advice on remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and annualised salary arrangements.
• Assisting with research and preparation for matters before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
• Reviewing and updating People & Culture policies and procedures in consultation with relevant subject matter experts, Legal and Governance.
• Maintaining accurate data and reporting on grievances, investigations and industrial relations activity.
• Supporting broader People & Culture projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

You will be an experienced workplace or industrial relations professional with a strong understanding of the complexities of working within a large, unionised environment.

To be successful, you will bring:

• A degree qualification in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years' experience in a similar Workplace/Industrial Relations role or senior HR generalist position.
• Demonstrated IR experience within a large, complex and unionised organisation, ideally supporting both blue- and white-collar workforces.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of industrial relations legislation, Awards and workplace relations practices.
• Experience managing formal complaints, grievances and complex workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and employment conditions.
• The ability to research and interpret legislation, case law, enterprise agreements, Awards, policies and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to analyse remuneration, allowances, penalties and different employment scenarios.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a chance to join a high-profile local government organisation where workplace relations plays an important role in supporting a diverse workforce and delivering organisational outcomes.

You will work alongside an experienced People & Culture team and have the opportunity to influence how workplace relations matters are managed, while providing practical advice that makes a difference to leaders and employees.

If you are an experienced IR/ER specialist who enjoys solving complex workplace issues, influencing stakeholders and working in a collaborative environment, we would like to hear from you.

Location: Western Sydney
Employment: Full-time