About the Role & Organisation 
 
This organisation is a large, global & fast-moving services company with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Europe and 20+ other countries. The Australian footprint is growing with over 40 locations and 1,200 employees with a large frontline operational workforce.  
 
The employment landscape is complex, industrially active, and constantly evolving, making it an environment of opportunity for a talented ER/IR professional. The business maintains a hands-on, pragmatic culture with a strong emphasis on safety, operational delivery and continuous improvement.  
 
Decision making is commercial and fast-paced and corporate support functions work closely with site leaders to manage risk and support performance. This is a role with genuine ER & IR complexity with high visibility and influence across the business. You will gain exposure to mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and national bargaining within a stable industry with long-term growth.  
 
This is a Sydney based role with national scope.  
 
Key responsibilities: 
 
As the ER/IR Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for all things employee and industrial relations across Australia. This is a hands-on, influential role working closely with operational leaders, HR, unions, and senior stakeholders. 
 
You’ll be trusted to manage risk, resolve issues early, and bring practical, commercial advice to a predominantly blue-collar workforce. 
 
Responsibilities:

• Provide expert ER/IR advice across multiple EBAs, sites, and jurisdictions;

• Interpret, negotiate, and manage Enterprise Agreements, including variations and renewals;

• Lead complex case management including misconduct, performance, disputes, and terminations;

• Support leaders in union engagement, dispute resolution, and Fair Work matters;

• Advise on IR risk during acquisitions and business integrations;

• Contribute to enterprise bargaining strategies and preparation;

• Coach operational leaders on best-practice ER approaches in a unionised environment;

• Monitor legislative changes and translate them into practical guidance; and

• Partner closely with HR and operational teams to ensure consistent application of policies.

About you

• Strong ER/IR experience in a unionised, blue-collar environment;

• Demonstrated experience working with multiple EBAs (highly complex environments preferred);

• Solid working knowledge of Australian industrial relations legislation and Fair Work processes;

• Comfortable operating across geographically dispersed sites;

• Confident influencing frontline leaders and senior stakeholders alike;

• Pragmatic, commercial, and solutions-focused — not theoretical;

• Experience in waste, transport, logistics, construction, manufacturing, or similar industries will be highly regarded; and

• Tertiary qualification in HR, IR, Law, or a related discipline (desirable).

How to Apply 
 
For more information or a confidential discussion please contact Haylea Smith at u&u on haylea.smith@uandu.com or 0411 666 265 quoting reference number 44281. 
 
At u&u Recruitment Partners, we value diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. 
 
Should you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we encourage you to make a request via adjustments@uandu.com or phone the above-mentioned u&u consultant to discuss. In response to these requests, we will collaborate closely with you to implement the appropriate adjustments. 
 
Additionally, for a barrier-free and inclusive online experience, you can access u&u’s opportunities using accessibility software Recite Me at https://www.uandu.com/jobs.  
 
Please submit your resume in Word format only.