At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workplace relations strategy and manage complex negotiations across Australia.
- Company: Join McConnell Dowell, a leader in creative construction with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a prime Richmond office location, competitive salary, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values individuality and supports personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a national impact while collaborating with senior leaders on high-stakes projects.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in Australian employment legislation and proven negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 $ per year.
We're seeking a highly experienced Industrial Relations specialist to join us as our Workplace Relations Manager to lead workplace relations strategy across our Australian operations. This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll partner with senior executives, guide complex negotiations, and play a critical part in winning and delivering major projects on time and on budget.
Based in our premium Richmond office directly above Burnley train station, you'll enjoy exceptional accessibility along with a modern, well-appointed workspace designed for collaboration and high performance.
Why this role stands out
- National impact - influence strategy and outcomes across major projects
- Executive exposure - work closely with senior leadership and decision-makers
- Prime location - Richmond office, directly above the train station
- High-performing culture - collaborate with smart, driven professionals
- Career-defining role - lead IR at McConnell Dowell, where scale meets genuinely complex, high-stakes project delivery
The Opportunity
You will be the trusted authority on workplace relations, driving strategy while remaining hands‐on in complex and high-impact matters.
- Lead and execute national workplace relations strategy aligned to business objectives
- Provide expert, commercially focused IR/ER advice to senior leaders and project teams
- Manage enterprise bargaining and negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes
- Oversee industrial risk, disputes, and sensitive investigations
- Represent the business in tribunals and external legal partnerships
- Support tenders and project mobilisation with robust IR strategies
- Build strong relationships with unions, regulators, and key external stakeholders
What You Bring
- Deep expertise in Australian employment legislation, awards, and enterprise agreements
- Proven success leading enterprise bargaining and union negotiations
- Strong experience managing disputes, industrial action, and tribunal matters
- Commercial mindset with the ability to balance risk and project outcomes
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement under pressure
- Relevant tertiary qualification
- Experience and network within the construction industry is preferred
- Melbourne home base is preferred but applicants from other cities may be considered.
About Us
McConnell Dowell – Creative Construction. Our purpose is Providing a Better Life. We do that through delivering projects that connect, support and sustain communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.
From remote major resources and energy projects to city-shaping transport and water infrastructure, we have constructed thousands of high-quality, complex projects for our customers and communities over more than 60 years, in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.
McConnell Dowell actively seeks and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and individuality. In a culture low on ego and high on support, we encourage everyone to make an impact. We're big enough to take on community-shaping projects, but agile enough for you to have an influence on how we do things.
We are an equal opportunity employer. People of all ages, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities & cultures including Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note all successful applicants must hold valid work rights for Australia.
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