About the Opportunity

A growing automotive group is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager / Specialist to join its HR team.

Reporting directly to the Head of HR, this role will provide specialist employee relations support across a multi-site operational workforce. You will manage a broad range of ER matters including workplace investigations, performance and conduct issues, grievances, disciplinary processes and employment-related risk.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced ER professional who is confident working with operational leaders and managing sensitive and complex employee matters in a fast-paced environment.

Previous experience in the automotive industry, dealership operations or another multi-site operational environment will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist employee relations advice to managers, HR Business Partners and senior leaders.
• Manage complex ER cases from initial issue through to resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations involving misconduct, bullying, harassment, grievances and workplace complaints.
• Prepare formal ER documentation including allegation letters, meeting invitations, warning letters, show cause correspondence and termination letters.
• Support managers through performance management, disciplinary and termination processes.
• Manage employee grievances and workplace complaints professionally and confidentially.
• Provide practical advice on the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards, Modern Awards and other relevant workplace obligations.
• Ensure ER processes are consistent with procedural fairness and company policy.
• Assess employment-related risks and escalate complex or high-risk matters to the Head of HR where required.
• Support Fair Work Commission matters and external employee claims where required.
• Coach managers on difficult conversations, performance management and workplace conduct matters.
• Maintain accurate ER case records and identify recurring trends and risks.
• Support the review and development of HR policies, templates and ER procedures.
• Assist with manager training and ER capability initiatives.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• Demonstrated experience in Employee Relations, Workplace Relations, HR Management, HR Business Partnering or a senior HR Advisory role.
• Strong practical knowledge of Australian employment legislation.
• Experience managing complex employee relations cases.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Strong understanding of performance management, disciplinary processes and procedural fairness.
• Excellent written communication skills and experience preparing formal HR documentation.
• Strong judgement and the ability to assess and manage employment risk.
• Confidence working with senior managers and operational leaders.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters professionally.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases concurrently.

Highly Regarded

• Experience within the automotive industry or dealership environment.
• Experience supporting a multi-site operational workforce.
• Background in retail, hospitality, logistics or other fast-paced customer-facing industries.
• Experience supporting sales or commission-based workforces.
• Exposure to Fair Work Commission matters or external employment law advisers.

If you are an experienced ER professional looking for a hands-on role with broad business exposure, we would like to hear from you.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Employee Relations Manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• How many years' experience do you have in employee relations?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
• Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the Fair Work Act?
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