At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex employee relations matters and shape frameworks for a progressive law firm.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking national law firm with a focus on people and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to specialise in a proactive, risk-aware HR role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing employee relations and compliance practices.
- Qualifications: Strong ER skills, confidence in interpreting awards, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 $ per year.
If you're an Employee Relations specialist who enjoys complex work, thrives in a professional services environment, and wants to help shape a brand‑new People & Culture Centre of Excellence — this is the kind of role that doesn't come around often.
We're partnering with a progressive national law firm to recruit their first Employee Relations Specialist, a newly created position sitting within a refreshed People Risk & Compliance function. Working closely with the Head of People Risk & Compliance and the P&C Business Partners, you'll play a pivotal role in strengthening the firm's people compliance framework and elevating ER capability across the business.
This is a part‑time or full-time role (3, 4 or 5 days per week) with hybrid working and additional flexibility. The firm is investing in a more proactive, risk‑aware approach to people management. This role is central to that shift — helping leaders and P&C colleagues navigate complex ER issues, embedding early‑intervention practices, and ensuring the firm's frameworks are fit‑for‑purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex and sensitive ER matters end‑to‑end, including performance, conduct, grievances and investigations.
- Proactively identify workplace risk and advise on mitigation strategies, controls and defensible decision‑making.
- Interpret and apply industrial instruments, including the Legal Services Award.
- Draft and evolve ER frameworks — policies, procedures, guidance notes and supporting materials.
- Coach and uplift capability across P&C and leaders, embedding early intervention and consistent practice.
- Contribute to people risk, safety and compliance projects, including psychosocial safety, positive duty, privacy and broader governance initiatives.
This role is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys ER — not just managing issues, but shaping frameworks, improving controls and lifting capability across a business. It could suit:
- A HR Generalist who gravitates to ER.
- An ER Specialist stuck in reactive case management.
- An IR Specialist wanting a more corporate, less industrial environment.
- An external ER/IR consultant ready to move in‑house.
What you'll bring
- Strong technical ER capability — investigations, procedural fairness, documentation.
- Confidence interpreting awards and translating obligations into practical, commercial advice.
- Sound judgement and professionalism in sensitive, high‑risk matters.
- A collaborative, influential style suited to a professional services environment.
- Curiosity, analytical thinking and a mindset for continuous improvement.
Employee Relations Specialist – Hybrid in Sydney employer: Capability HR
Join a leading national professional services firm that values excellence and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions to the People Risk & Compliance Team will be recognised and rewarded. With a focus on employee growth, this role provides opportunities to engage in meaningful work while collaborating with senior leaders in a supportive environment. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work model, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
