Manager, Employee & Industrial Relations
We are seeking an exceptional Employee Relations / Industrial Relations leader to shape and deliver ER/IR strategy across a complex, medium‑to‑large organisation with a diverse operational footprint. This is a critical senior role responsible for strengthening organisational capability, uplifting leader confidence, and embedding consistent, compliant, and contemporary practices across Australia and New Zealand.
Reporting to the People Partnering Manager, you will serve as the organisation’s trusted ER/IR expert—partnering with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, unions, and legal advisors on high‑risk and sensitive matters.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned practitioner who thrives in complexity, enjoys building frameworks from the ground up, and is energised by influencing at the highest levels.
Responsibilties
About You:
You are a highly experienced ER/IR professional with a proven track record in complex, multi‑site, blue‑collar environments. You bring a deep understanding of the Fair Work Act, Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and employment legislation—and, importantly, you can apply this knowledge in a practical, commercial, and risk‑aware way.
What You Will Lead:
- Provide high‑level advice on complex ER matters, misconduct, performance issues, disputes, and investigations.
- Drive our IR strategy, including Award and EA interpretation, union engagement, and industrial compliance.
- Build organisational capability by coaching leaders and HRBPs in best‑practice ER/IR approaches.
- Establish and embed ER/IR policies, processes, investigation frameworks, and governance controls.
- Partner strategically with senior executives, supporting decision‑making on high‑risk and sensitive matters.
- Represent the organisation confidently in union consultations, enterprise bargaining, and regulatory forums.
About You
To Be Successful, You Will Bring:
- A Degree in HR, Employment Law, Industrial Relations, or related discipline.
- Over 15 years’ ER/IR experience gained within complex, enterprise‑level organisations.
- Demonstrated capability in blue‑collar, multi‑site operations and in managing union relationships within complex industrial frameworks.
- Exceptional stakeholder management combined with strong coaching, influencing, and guidance capabilities across senior leaders and HR Business Partners.
- The capability to lead IR strategy, interpret Awards and Enterprise Agreements, manage union relationships and disputes, and support enterprise bargaining and consultation requirements.
- High attention to detail, strong judgement, and the confidence to operate at senior and executive level.
Our offer
Our Offer:
At Liebherr, we value your well-being. We offer a culture of recognition and reward, celebrating your contributions and ensuring you feel valued.
You'll have access to generous benefits like retail and medical insurance discounts, bonus leave days, parental leave, and comprehensive training programs, fostering your personal and professional growth.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion sit at the heart of the Liebherr Group's Core Values.
We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the communities in which we live, work and operate. Our culture thrives on mutual respect, teamwork and diversity of thought in the workplace
Culture
We are dedicated to seeing our employees work together in an environment that fosters the true meaning of collaboration; a culture that creates the highest quality, cutting-edge products, long-lasting relationships, and improved organisational and individual capabilities. We aim to give our employees an opportunity to grow and develop their careers.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants successful in progressing past interview stage will be required to undergo a Pre-employment process including National Police Clearance and Medical Screening process which includes drug and alcohol testing.
Have we awoken your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your online application. If you have any questions, please contact Craig Salmon.
One Passion. Many Opportunities.
The Company
Liebherr-Australia Pty Ltd is part of the Liebherr Group, which employs nearly 50,000 people, in more than 140 companies and 50 countries on every continent. Liebherr's decades of experience, knowledge, and dedication to the highest quality and most reliable technologies makes Liebherr a respected leader and a trustworthy partner to industry. Liebherr-Australia is responsible for selling and servicing earthmoving machines, mining machines, mobile cranes, tower cranes, maritime cranes as well as deep foundation machines throughout Australia and New Zealand. Though the company's 20 hectare Head Office Complex is based in Adelaide, Australia, the commitment to, and support of, New Zealand customers is unwavering.
Location
Liebherr-Australia Pty. Ltd.
1 Dr Willi Liebherr Drive
5096 Adelaide
Australia (AU)
Contact
Craig Salmon
craig.salmon@liebherr.com
