Workplace Relations Specialist

Cochlear Limited; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cochlear Limited is seeking a Workplace Relations Specialist on a fixed-term contract until July 2027 to join the Global People & Culture Service & Experience team in Sydney. You will provide expert wage compliance guidance and support governance across Cochlear's Australian operations.

Key duties include interpreting Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements, leading wage analyses, supporting complex ER/IR projects, and building strong relationships with internal stakeholders while ensuring

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Australian employment law, Modern Awards and industrial relations.
• Experience interpreting Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements.
• Experience in wage compliance and record keeping.
• Experience handling complex employee relations matters and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Champion ER/IR initiatives across Cochlear’s Australian operations.
• Interpret and advise on Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements and applicable legislation.
• Support wage and entitlement projects and analyze data to ensure compliance.
• Conduct wage analyses including timesheets, penalties, allowances and entitlements.
• Prepare compliance risk assessments and suggest process improvements.
• Lead amendments in IR reform and manage complex casework.
• Develop robust relationships with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Employment law

Wage compliance

Awards interpretation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Workplace investigations

Job description

Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear is dedicated to helping people with moderate to profound hearing loss experience a world full of sound. We aim to transform the way people understand and treat hearing loss and innovate to connect people with future technologies. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping more people to experience a lifetime of hearing.We're looking for an experienced **Workplace Relations Specialist** to join our Global People & Culture Service & Experience team and play a key role in strengthening workplace governance, wage compliance and employment practices across Cochlear's Australian operations.Reporting into the Workplace Governance & Specialist Advice Team, you'll provide expert advice on Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, employment legislation and workplace relations matters. You'll lead wage compliance initiatives, support governance programs, identify compliance risks and partner with leaders to ensure Cochlear maintains fair, compliant and effective workplace practices. The role requires expertise in wage compliance, employment legislation, workplace investigations and governance frameworks**Please note, this is a fixed term contract until July 2027.**## ## What You'll Be Doing* Championing best practice ER/IR initiatives across Cochlear’s Australian operations* Interpret and advise on relevant Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreement and applicable State & Federal legislation.* Support wage and entitlement projects such as providing Award interpretation and analysing data to ensure compliance with industrial instruments.* Conduct wage analyses including examining timesheet data, penalty rates, allowances, and other Award entitlements.* Prepare compliance risk assessments through data examination within compliance frameworks and methodologies.* Review and suggest process and system improvements to ensure ongoing compliance, including but not limited to record keeping, wage reviews and salary reconciliation, employment contracts, time and attendance rules, and visa management.* Support the implementation of amendments in IR reform.* Take leadership of proactive ER/IR projects* Support complex case management* Developing robust relationships with key internal stakeholders## What You'll BringWe're looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder management skills and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.**Essential Experience*** Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, Modern Awards and employment relations frameworks* Demonstrated experience in wage compliance, award interpretation and workplace governance* Proven capability managing complex workplace investigations and sensitive employee relations matters* Experience partnering with unions, employee representatives and workplace delegates* Sound judgement, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence with confidence* Experience working within a contemporary People & Culture function**Highly Regarded*** Exposure to enterprise bargaining and implementation activities* Experience working within matrixed organisations and partnering across HR Centres of Excellence* Process improvement, systems transformation or governance experienceIf you feel that you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role and take on new challenges to build your career with Cochlear, please start your application by clicking the apply button below.