Opportunity
Cochlear's mission is to help people hear and be heard. We are seeking an experienced Employment Relations Specialist to join our Global People & Culture Service & Experience team and play a pivotal role in shaping employment relations practices across our Australian operations.
This is a fixed‐term contract until July 2027.
What You'll Be Doing
- Champion best practice ER/IR initiatives across Cochlear's Australian operations.
- Interpret and advise on relevant Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements and applicable State & Federal legislation.
- Support wage and entitlement projects by providing award interpretation and analysing data to ensure compliance.
- Conduct wage analyses, including examining timesheet data, penalty rates, allowances and other award entitlements.
- Prepare compliance risk assessments using data examination within compliance frameworks and methodologies.
- Review and suggest process and system improvements to ensure ongoing compliance, including record keeping, wage reviews, salary reconciliation, employment contracts, time and attendance rules and visa management.
- Support the implementation of amendments in IR reform.
- Take leadership of proactive ER/IR projects.
- Manage complex case management and workplace investigations.
- Develop robust relationships with key internal stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
- Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, Modern Awards and employment relations frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience in wage compliance, award interpretation and workplace governance.
- Proven capability in managing complex workplace investigations and sensitive employee relations matters.
- Experience partnering with unions, employee representatives and workplace delegates.
- Sound judgement, strong problem‐solving skills and the ability to influence with confidence.
- Experience working within a contemporary People & Culture function.
- Highly regarded exposure to enterprise bargaining and implementation activities.
- Experience working within matrixed organisations and partnering across HR Centres of Excellence.
- Process improvement, systems transformation or governance experience.
- Tertiary qualification in Industrial Relations, Workplace Relations, Human Resources or a related discipline.
If you feel that you have the required skills and experience, we invite you to apply.
Employment Relations Specialist employer: Cochlear Limited
Cochlear is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Workplace Relations Specialist to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with hearing loss. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, Cochlear fosters an environment where innovation thrives and compliance is paramount. Located in Australia, employees benefit from a supportive team atmosphere, comprehensive training programs, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that drive positive change in workplace practices.
