Industrial Relations Manager

About Laing O’Rourke

Laing O’Rourke is a $6 billion international operation with 70 years of involvement in Australian construction and infrastructure, including nearly two decades under the Laing O’Rourke banner. The business delivers projects as diverse as the environments in which they are built, from high security military bases and major rail transport infrastructure projects, through to landmark buildings at the transport interface. Laing O’Rourke owns Australia’s fourth largest plant and equipment hire company called Select Plant Australia. We know the right culture combined with purposeful technology will help us meet demand and deliver certainty for our clients. That’s the #powerofexperience.

About the opportunity

The Victorian Government is upgrading the Eastern Freeway with new express lanes, new traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway. These changes will slash travel times and improve public transport in Melbourne’s east.

Laing O’Rourke is part of the Eastern Freeway – Burke to Tram Alliance with Major Road Projects Victoria, Symal, Arcadis and WSP. Our scope of work includes a new interchange connecting the Eastern Freeway to the North East Link tunnels, major road and bridge upgrades between Burke Road and Tram Road, smart traffic management technology upgrades and new noise protection to meet Victoria’s toughest traffic noise standards. The local community will also benefit from new and upgraded walking and cycling connections, upgrades to Koonung Creek Reserve and revitalised wetlands and open spaces.

About the role

We are currently searching for an experienced Industrial Relations Manager join our team on Eastern Freeway Burke to Tram Alliance.

Reporting to the Head of People, Capability and Inclusion, you will be responsible for providing specialist industrial and employee relations advice to the Project, ensuring a harmonious work environment with minimum disruptions to project schedules due to industrial and employee relations issues.

Your focus will include:

• Oversight of all industrial instruments, compliance, right of entry and dispute resolution.
• Provide IR advice and support to our Senior Leadership Team on matters that may impact project delivery activities.  ​​
• ​​Engagement with union stakeholders
• Lead the project specific enterprise agreement negotiations, including preparation, planning, engagement, and implementation.
• Maintain and update the project IR Strategy as required
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislative obligations including the Fair Work Act, Enterprise Agreements and Awards.
• Primary contact for client representatives in employee and Industrial Relations issues, strategies and challenges.
• Managing complex workplace matters (investigations, inquiries, or disputes) and develop/oversee compliance programs.
• Coordinate the strategic response (including any legal steps) to lawful and unlawful industrial action.  
• Represent the business in tribunals regarding employee and industrial matters.
• Coach and mentor employees and managers on IR matters.

About the role

• Tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, law, or related discipline.
• 10+ years’ experience in Industrial Relations.
• Significant experience working in a project-based engineering or construction environment.
• An ability to form effective relationships and provide trusted advice to senior management within Corporate and Project settings.
• Experience or a sound understanding of the complexities of working in a Joint Venture environment.
• High level of interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills.

Benefits

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. We believe in building careers through providing a safe, connected and innovative culture that supports ongoing growth and development. We offer industry-leading benefits such as specialised learning and development programs, a mental health and wellbeing program, industry leading paid parental leave policy, family friendly work practices, additional purchased leave option and coaching programs for staff on parental leave.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. We recognise the increasing importance of flexible work arrangements and family friendly work practices to enable and maintain a diverse, adaptive and high performing workforce. Laing O’Rourke is proud to hold the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Citation - Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

 Laing O'Rourke actively supports a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan at https://www.laingorourke.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.