“Not all IR roles are created equal…”
This one will see you:
✔ Lead enterprise bargaining across multiple sites
✔ Work directly with unions including AWU, AMWU & ETU
✔ Partner with exec leaders to shape IR strategy
Townsville-based (Brisbane considered)
About the Role
A rare opportunity to step into a senior Workplace Relations leadership role within a large, operationally complex organisation.
This position plays a critical role in shaping and leading the organisation’s industrial relations strategy, working closely with executive leadership and site-based teams across multiple locations.
Reporting into the Head of People & Culture, you will lead enterprise agreement negotiations and provide expert advice on complex industrial relations matters across a large, unionised workforce.
You will operate as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, balancing commercial outcomes with strong, effective union engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading end-to-end enterprise agreement negotiations across multiple sites
- Managing relationships with key unions including AWU, AMWU, ETU and others
- Providing strategic IR/ER advice to executive and operational leaders
- Supporting a shift toward a more contemporary and proactive IR environment
- Leading complex case management and workforce matters where required
About You
You are a seasoned IR/ER professional with a strong track record operating in highly unionised, operational environments.
You bring:
- Proven experience leading enterprise bargaining negotiations (10 years+)
- Deep understanding of union engagement within blue-collar workforces
- Experience in industries such as mining, manufacturing, energy, transport or similar
- The ability to influence and partner with senior leaders
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with strong commercial acumen
This is a highly visible role supporting a large operational workforce and requires a strong on-site presence to effectively partner with leaders and lead enterprise negotiations. As such, it is best suited to candidates who enjoy being close to operations rather than working in a fully remote capacity.
Why this role?
- Up to $240k base +super + bonus
- 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 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
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
