Principal Workplace Relations Specialist

ASC is Australia's submarine company. They built the Royal Australian Navy's Collins Class submarines, sustain them, and are now delivering their Life of Type Extension to increase the boats' service lives. This complex industrial undertaking in Australia's history includes sustaining and jointly building conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

This work contributes directly to Australia's national security. The roles offer the opportunity to grow your career, balance life and work, and deliver a deeper purpose that everyone can be proud of.

About the Role

A highly skilled Principal Industrial Relations Specialist with a strong legal background is needed to join our team supporting the nuclear-powered submarine sustainment program in Henderson, WA.

In this critical role, you will develop and implement robust industrial relations strategies and frameworks that align with program objectives and national interests. You will report to the Industrial Relations Manager and collaborate closely with our shipbuilder joint partner. Your services will provide high-standard advice across the business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contribute to developing and delivering an industrial relations strategy that aligns with business objectives and manages risk.
2. Establish and maintain stakeholder and union relationships across the business and externally.
3. Execute and implement enterprise agreement negotiation strategies.
4. Develop policies, procedures, governance frameworks, toolkits, and training related to industrial relations matters.
5. Provide expert advice and training to stakeholders across the program.
6. Manage investigations and disciplinary processes for the program.
7. Proactively resolve IR matters, disputes, and grievances to achieve optimal business outcomes.
8. Provide strategic advice on workforce composition and planning to Integrated Project Teams.

About You

1. Tertiary qualifications in Employment Law, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline.
2. Experience contributing to IR strategy development.
3. Demonstrated 5-10 years of work experience in a legal/industrial relations-based role.
4. Experience working with international joint venture programs and applying transfer of business provisions.
5. Proven experience negotiating enterprise agreements and executing negotiation strategies.
6. Experience working within a highly unionized workforce and developing productive relationships with trade unions.
7. Extensive knowledge of relevant industrial instruments (e.g., National Employment Standards, Fair Work Act, Enterprise Agreements).
8. Critical thinking skills to effectively resolve issues and influence stakeholders.
9. Experience managing IR disputes, investigations, and disciplinary outcomes.
10. Ability to manage employee performance management matters, grievances, and coach leaders through resolutions.
11. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
12. High level of resilience and adaptability.

Eligibility Requirements

A current National Police Clearance and an Australian Defence Security Clearance to an NV1 level are required for this role. Your eligibility will depend on obtaining and maintaining such clearance.

Benefits

• A unique and challenging work environment with a deeper purpose.
• Flexibility over how, when, and where you work for the best work/life balance.
• Up to 10 days additional leave every year to rest and recharge.
• Generous parental leave to support your family.
• Subsidised childcare to ease financial pressures.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives to support your performance.
• Professional development opportunities to advance your career.
• A diverse and supportive environment to thrive.
• Discounts and exclusive offers from leading brands.
• Relocation support for interstate or overseas moves.

About Us

Our organisation consists of over 2,400 staff offering expertise in submarine design, project management, supply chain, construction, and engineering within Australia's defence industry. We established in 1985 and play a key role in training Royal Australian Navy submariners.