Senior IR Manager

This role provides expert and operational leadership in all aspects of industrial and employee relations across the group.

About the Organisation:

Tandem Partners are thrilled to be partnering with a large national organisation, that are leaders in their field. Employing over 6000 people, this is an exciting opportunity to be join a progressive, growing and transforming organisation.

About the Role:
The IR/ER Manager provides expert and operational leadership in all aspects of industrial and employee relations across the group. The role ensures compliance with industrial instruments and develops constructive employee and union relationships. This role also partners with leaders to resolve complex workplace issues through proactive strategies, training and case management. The IR/ER Manager supports a fair, consistent and high-performing workplace culture that meets regulatory obligations and supports organisational growth.

• Develop and advise on IR strategy, leading the process to embed this and align the business to this position.
• Interpret and apply relevant Awards, Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA) and Fair Work Legislation.
• Build relationships and establish credibility across the business.
• Partner with Payroll, Finance and Operations to ensure wage compliance and address underpayment risks.
• Maintain IR/ER policies, procedures and frameworks that reflect current legislation and best practice.
• Monitor and report IR trends, risks and compliance issues across the group.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with unions, employee representatives and regulators.
• Support with union engagement across all states, travelling as required to support this.
• Lead and support enterprise bargaining negotiations, ensuring sustainable and balanced outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to leaders on managing union interactions and consultation processes.
• Provide advice regarding complex workplace matters, including performance management, grievances, misconduct and disputes.
• Provide expert advice on disciplinary actions, investigations and termination processes.
• Represent the group. at the Fair Work Commission and other relevant tribunals as required.
• Coach and advise Centre Managers, Area Managers and State Managers on managing IR issues effectively.
• Design and deliver IR training programs (award interpretation, issue resolution, investigations).
• Build leader confidence and capability to handle employee issues at the earliest possible stage.
• Promote a culture of fairness, respect and accountability across the organisation.
• Identify emerging IR risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them.
• Partner with HR, Operations and Compliance teams to support cultural and organisational change initiatives.

• Minimum of 7+ years’ experience in IR roles, including enterprise bargaining, investigations and dispute resolution.
• Proven experience working in a unionised or highly regulated sector.
• Experience managing multi-site workforces preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Law, Industrial Relations or related field (required).
• In-depth knowledge and application of Awards, Enterprise Agreements, Fair Work Act and workplace law.
• Strong business acumen with ability to link IR practices to operational and financial outcomes.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong risk assessment and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to coach leaders and uplift capability.