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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Your responsibilities will include:
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Providing specialist advice and coaching to managers and employees on workplace and industrial relations matters.
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Interpreting the Local Government (State) Award, legislation, policies and procedures.
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Advising on complex matters including performance management, misconduct, grievances, disputes, discrimination, harassment and personal illness.
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Managing and conducting end-to-end workplace investigations, including coordinating external investigations where appropriate.
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Proactively identifying emerging industrial relations risks and developing practical solutions.
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Supporting the resolution of complex workplace issues and industrial disputes.
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Managing grievance processes and supporting positive workplace relationships.
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Consulting and negotiating with unions on workplace issues, grievances and disputes.
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Coaching and educating managers on IR legislation, Award requirements and organisational policies.
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Providing advice on remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and annualised salary arrangements.
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Assisting with research and preparation for matters before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
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Reviewing and updating People & Culture policies and procedures in consultation with relevant subject matter experts, Legal and Governance.
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Maintaining accurate data and reporting on grievances, investigations and industrial relations activity.
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Supporting broader People & Culture projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
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About You
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You will be an experienced workplace or industrial relations professional with a strong understanding of the complexities of working within a large, unionised environment.
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To be successful, you will bring:
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A degree qualification in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
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At least 5 years' experience in a similar
Workplace/Industrial
Relations role or senior HR generalist position.
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Demonstrated IR experience within a large, complex and unionised organisation,



ideally supporting both blue- and white-collar workforces.
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Strong knowledge and practical application of industrial relations legislation, Awards and workplace relations practices.
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Experience managing formal complaints, grievances and complex workplace investigations.
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Strong knowledge of remuneration frameworks, Award wages, allowances and employment conditions.
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The ability to research and interpret legislation, case law, enterprise agreements, Awards, policies and procedures.
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Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to analyse remuneration, allowances, penalties and different employment scenarios.
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Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
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Solid written and verbal communication skills.
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Intermediate Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
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Why Consider This Opportunity?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Location: Western Sydney
n Employment: Full-time

📌 Workplace Relations Specialist (New South Wales)
🏢 Norwest Recruitment
📍 New South Wales