- Hr & Recruitment
- Industrial Relations Specialist
- Melbourne
- Permanent / Full Time

7/8/2026
- Make a meaningful impact within the disability sector.
- Hybrid work, paid study & parental leave, employee product discounts.
- Work close to home, free onsite parking, close to public transport.

About us Independence Australia Group is a social enterprise that provides choice for people with a disability or other personal need, enabling them to regain and retain their independence within an inclusive community.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Employment Relations Specialist to join us during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

Reporting directly to the Head of People Partnering, this autonomous role will provide expert advice across complex employee and industrial relations matters while partnering with leaders at all levels of the business.

What you will be doing

You will be our employment and industrial relations subject matter expert, providing strategic and operational advice on a broad range of workplace matters.

You will also

- Provide expert advice on employment law, Awards, Enterprise Agreements, workplace risk and employee relations matters.
- Partner with leaders to manage complex workplace issues, including performance, conduct, grievances, investigations and dispute resolution.
- Lead and support industrial relations activities, including enterprise bargaining, union engagement and industrial risk management.
- Prepare Fair Work submissions and represent the organisation in conciliations, mediations and other industrial proceedings.
- Advise on organisational change, restructures and consultation processes, ensuring legislative compliance and positive employee outcomes.




- Build leadership capability through coaching and guidance on employment relations best practice.

About you You are a highly regarded Employment Relations qualified who thrives on navigating complex workplace matters and influencing positive outcomes. With strong expertise across both employment and industrial relations, you're a trusted advisor who can confidently partner with leaders at every level, balancing commercial, operational and people-focused considerations.

You bring a deep understanding of Australian employment legislation, Awards and Enterprise Agreements, coupled with hands-on experience managing workplace investigations, performance and conduct matters, grievances, disputes and Fair Work proceedings. Comfortable working autonomously, you provide practical, solutions-focused advice and build credibility through your sound judgement, professionalism and ability to manage sensitive issues with confidence.

You'll also bring experience in enterprise bargaining, union engagement, policy development and organisational change, with a proven ability to support leaders through periods of transformation.

If you're a senior Employment Relations professional looking for a role where your expertise, judgement and influence will genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Why work with us





As a valued member of our team, you have access to a range of advantages and perks to ensure you thrive at Independence Australia Group, including:

- Access salary packaging benefits to increase your take home pay by reducing your taxable income.
- Access free confidential counselling and support from our Employee Assistance Program.
- As a social enterprise, we aren’t solely reliant on external funding which means better job security so you can focus on providing quality care and service to our customers.
- The opportunity to work for a purpose-driven organisation that creates meaningful social impact.

Work with purpose We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate in life and the community, regardless of ability. Our aim is to improve quality of life and provide access to products, resources and encouragement that allow people to make choices to enhance their well‑being and lifestyle.

As a social enterprise, we redistribute surplus funds generated through the sale of over 12,000 healthcare products, mobility aids and equipment into programs that support people living with a disability.

Independence Australia Group includes Independence Australia, Zest Care, SASI, AQA, Possability Group and Lifestyle Solutions. Learn more at independenceaustralia.com.au.

Commitment to diversity

Independence Australia Group is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people with a disability, CALD communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For accessibility support during recruitment, contact our People Experience team at [email protected].

📌 Employment Relations Specialist (Melbourne)
🏢 Independence Australia
📍 Melbourne