Workplace Relations Specialist - ER or IR Focus (Higher Education

Join a collaborative higher education team in a specialist ER/IR role focused on complex casework, coaching, and EA interpretation.

Tandem Partners are delighted to partner with a leading institution in the higher education sector.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Workplace Relations Specialist to join a collaborative and evolving team. With flexibility to lean into either employee relations (ER) or industrial relations (IR), depending on your strengths, this role will play a key part in the way complex workplace matters are handled across the organisation.

As the Workplace Relations Specialist you will:

• Manage a range of complex ER casework, including performance management, conflict resolution, and misconduct investigations
• Provide Tier 2 and 3 advisory support on ER/IR issues, escalated from the frontline HR team
• Coach and guide managers on ER strategy, performance, probation, and termination
• Interpret and apply Enterprise Agreements (EAs) and support the resolution of industrial issues
• Partner with HR Business Partners, HSRs, unions, and key stakeholders across the business
• Support compliance with psychosocial safety legislation and contribute to a consistent, values-aligned ER/IR approach

• Strong case management skills, with a calm and solutions-focused approach
• Solid understanding of EA interpretation, Fair Work legislation, and related compliance requirements
• The ability to influence and coach managers at all levels with clarity and empathy
• Resilience and a sense of humour, with the confidence to handle sensitive interpersonal matters
• A down-to-earth, self-sufficient style – someone who asks questions and seeks out answers
• Flexibility to work across multiple campuses (primarily CBD-based) three days per week