ER Advisor in Melbourne

Our client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join their People team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a hands-on ER opportunity within a large, national organisation undergoing a period of transformation and implementing a new operating model. You’ll take ownership of a diverse portfolio of employee relations matters, providing practical, pragmatic advice and managing cases through to resolution.

With approximately 30 live cases across the team at any given time, this is a role suited to someone who enjoys being close to the detail, is comfortable working at pace and can confidently prioritise competing matters. The role will work closely with People Capability Partners and business leaders across the organisation, with exposure to stakeholders from frontline leaders through to Heads of function. As the ER operating model evolves, the team is moving towards ER Advisors owning matters end-to-end, providing an opportunity to play an important role in shaping how ER is delivered across the business. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the potential for a permanent opportunity at the conclusion of the contract; however, permanency is not guaranteed.

Benefits

• Flexible Working - Melbourne-based role with 2 days working from home
• National Exposure - Manage ER matters across multiple states and a diverse workforce spanning stores, corporate and supply chain
• Varied ER Caseload - Exposure to performance, grievances, conduct, serious misconduct, fraud, Fair Work matters and other complex ER issues
• Transformation & Change - Join the team at an exciting time as a new ER operating model is embedded
• Employee Benefits - Access to a product discount card
• On-Site Parking - Parking available
• Competitive Package - $125,000 base + super

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of employee relations matters from initial advice through to resolution
• Provide practical, commercially focused and risk-aware ER advice to People stakeholders and business leaders
• Manage a broad range of matters including performance management, grievances, conduct, workplace behaviour, attendance, serious misconduct and fraud
• Support the management of complex and high-risk employee relations matters, escalating where appropriate
• Interpret and apply employment legislation, enterprise agreements, awards, policies and procedures
• Partner closely with People Capability Partners and leaders to achieve fair, consistent and compliant outcomes
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, from line managers through to Heads of function
• Maintain high-quality case documentation and ensure matters are managed in accordance with established frameworks and processes
• Identify trends and opportunities to improve ER processes, resources and service delivery
• Contribute to the ongoing development and embedding of the organisation's ER operating model
• Engage with unions, external legal providers and relevant regulators or tribunals as required
• Travel to meet with business leaders and visit operational locations as required

What You'll Bring

• 2-4 years' experience in Employee Relations, People Advisory, HR or a related role with strong ER exposure
• Demonstrated experience independently managing ER matters and casework end-to-end
• Strong working knowledge of Australian employment legislation, industrial instruments, awards and workplace relations frameworks
• Experience managing a broad range of ER matters including performance, conduct, grievances and workplace behaviour
• Strong judgement and the ability to assess risk and provide practical, balanced recommendations
• Excellent prioritisation and case management skills, with the ability to manage a fluctuating and high-volume workload
• Confidence working autonomously while partnering effectively with People teams and business leaders
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to have challenging conversations while maintaining positive relationships
• A pragmatic and commercial approach to ER, with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working and identify alternative solutions
• Experience working in a large, complex or multi-site environment will be highly regarded
• Experience working with unions, Fair Work or external legal providers will be advantageous
• A current driver's licence and access to your own vehicle