Sydney CBD| 4-6 Month Contract | Potential Extension or convert to perm

About the Role

A large, nationally recognised organisation is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a critical workplace relations program during a period of growth and transformation.

This newly created role has been established to provide specialist ER/IR expertise, allowing the broader People & Culture team to focus on strategic business partnering priorities. Reporting to a senior executive leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping industrial relations strategy, supporting enterprise bargaining initiatives, and enhancing organisational capability across employee relations.

A large, nationally recognised organisation is seeking an experienced Employee & Industrial Relations professional to lead a critical workplace relations program during a period of growth and transformation.

This newly created role has been established to provide specialist ER/IR expertise, allowing the broader People & Culture team to focus on strategic business partnering priorities. Reporting to a senior executive leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping industrial relations strategy, supporting enterprise bargaining initiatives, and enhancing organisational capability across employee relations.

The Opportunity

This is a highly visible role where you'll work closely with senior stakeholders to:

- Lead industrial relations initiatives and enterprise bargaining preparations.




- Develop and implement industrial frameworks to support a growing workforce.
- Partner with operational leaders to ensure agreements support future business needs.
- Manage complex employee relations matters and provide expert advice on risk and compliance.
- Support the enhancement of Respect at Work and workplace relations frameworks.
- Coach and upskill HR and business leaders on employee relations best practice.
- Build trusted relationships across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce.

About You

You are a seasoned ER/IR professional who combines strong technical expertise with a pragmatic and collaborative approach.

You will bring:

- Demonstrated experience in industrial relations and enterprise bargaining.
- Experience working with unions and employee representative groups.
- Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and workplace relations frameworks.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational environments.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- A hands-on, solutions-focused style and the confidence to work autonomously.

This role could suit an experienced IR specialist seeking an compelling project assignment, or a high-performing ER/IR professional ready to step into a broader leadership role.

About Culture & Benefits

- Immediate start opportunity.
- High-profile role with significant organisational impact.
- Supportive executive leadership team.
- Flexible engagement options (contractor or fixed-term considered).

📌 Head of ER/IR (Sydney)
🏢 The Next Step Recruitment
📍 Sydney