ER Specialist

Work Type:

Location:

Melbourne - VIC 

  • Melbourne CBD location - Hybrid model (2 days office / 3 days WFH)
  • Initial 6-month contract - ASAP Start
  • Circa $130-$135K plus super (Hourly Equivalent $82-$87ph incl super)

We’re currently recruiting for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join a high profile government project on an initial 6-month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in complex environments, enjoys solving challenging ER and IR issues, and is confident advising leaders through change.
  
About the Organisation
Our client is growing organisation in the public sector, delivering large scale projects that have a significant impact across Victoria.  Operating within a complex and highly regulated environment, they employ a diverse and growing workforce spanning professional, technical and operational areas. Their People & Culture team is collaborative and highly regarded, with a strong focus on engagement, capability, and pragmatic HR solutions.
  
About the Role
Working closely with the ER Manager, senior leaders, and the broader P&C team, this role will focus on delivering specialist ER and IR support across the organisation. You’ll manage complex cases, coach and guide leaders, and strengthen ER frameworks, all while helping the organisation navigate change and embed best practice.
  
Key Responsibilities include:

  • Manage complex employee relations cases and investigations end-to-end, ensuring timely and consistent resolution
  • Provide pragmatic ER/IR advice and coaching to leaders and HRBPs, building capability and confidence
  • Support leaders to address grievances, disputes, bullying claims and performance/conduct issues
  • Prepare documentation and support the ER Manager in matters escalated to Fair Work
  • Contribute to streamlining processes and resetting ER frameworks to support organisational change
About You
An experienced ER practitioner, you bring both technical expertise and a collaborative style. You’re confident in navigating employment legislation, guiding leaders, and fostering constructive relationships in a unionised environment. You are pragmatic, resilient and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance compliance and business needs.
In addition, you will bring:
  • Proven experience managing end-to-end ER/IR matters in complex environments
  • Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act and enterprise agreement frameworks (VPS experience advantageous, but not essential)
  • Well-developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
  • A pragmatic, hands-on approach to resolving workplace issues
  • Experience working within government, infrastructure or project-based environments is highly regarded
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence effectively.

Reference Number:

3969842

Date Published:

06-Oct-2025

Contact Name:

Anica Weereratne

Contact Email:

aweereratne@thenextstep.com.au

By applying for this role, you consent to your personal information being collected, stored, and shared in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.


Your details may be provided to our clients for potential opportunities; however, this will only occur after a discussion with one of our consultants and with your consent. We are committed to handling your information securely and confidentially in line with national privacy requirements.

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The Next Step embraces individuality and differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, faith and sexual orientation. We strive to provide a recruitment experience that’s fair, inclusive and accessible. We encourage all suitable applicants to apply for roles. Please speak to our consultants about any accessibility needs to be considered during the recruitment process.