About the Company
This well-established and high profile national organisation plays a vital role in Queensland’s agribusiness and regional infrastructure sector. With a deep regional footprint and bold ambitions in workforce transformation and sustainability, the business continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy and strong community values.
My client is a major employer across multiple regional locations and are now seeking a seasoned industrial relations leader to help navigate complexity, modernise enterprise agreements, and build strong, trusted relationships across stakeholders - from boardroom to bargaining table.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Head of People & Culture, this is a key leadership position focused on:
- Leading complex enterprise bargaining processes
- Managing industrial and employee relations strategy
- Providing expert advice and representation in union negotiations
- Building IR capability across operational and senior leadership
- Maintaining strong external relationships with key community and grower groups
- Coaching and mentoring a developing Advisor within the team
This is a strategic and hands-on role, where your ability to lead change, influence outcomes and manage risk will make a significant impact.
The role can be based in Brisbane or Townsville, with reasonable travel required to regional locations to stay connected and visible on the ground.
About You
You’re an experienced IR/ER professional who understands the importance of balancing commercial outcomes with human connection. You’re confident in industrial negotiations, calm under pressure, and genuinely enjoy working with operational leaders and community-facing stakeholders.
You’ll bring:
- 5+ years of IR/ER leadership experience within a large commercial unionised environment
- Proven capability leading EA negotiations and union engagements
- Deep understanding of employment legislation and industrial instruments
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
- A collaborative, pragmatic and grounded communication style
- Sector experience in agribusiness, logistics, mining, manufacturing or similar
Key Skills and Experience
- Extensive IR and ER experience in complex, unionised environments
- Demonstrated success in leading EAs and engaging with unions
- Confident stakeholder manager from frontline to executive level
- Excellent working knowledge of Fair Work Act and employment law
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience coaching leaders through sensitive ER matters
- Resilience, discretion, and calm under pressure
What’s in it for you?
- $205,000.00 - $215,000.00 + bonus(senior package with competitive base)
- Brisbane or Townsville based- your choice
- Relocation support available if required
- Autonomy and visibility- embedded in the business, not behind the scenes
- Career-defining role with strong support from executive leadership
- Legacy-building opportunity - shape strategy, grow capability, and leave your mark
How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead and influence at a regional level while making a real impact in IR and stakeholder engagement I’d love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion, contact Catherine Lyttle on catherine.lyttle@davidsonwp.com. quoting reference JN -052025-40371. Want to know more about Davidson? Visit us at www.davidsonwp.com
