Employee Relations Manager

**Lead meaningful change and shape a respectful, inclusive workplace where your expertise in employee relations makes a real impact every day**

**Employment Type**: Permanent Full Time
**Position Classification**:Health Manager Level 4
**Remuneration**: $141,974 - $169,151 Per Annum + Salary Packaging
**Hours Per Week**: 38

**Location**: On-site role based in Waratah
**Requisition ID**: REQ580712

**Advertising Closes: Thursday, 3rd July 2025**

**_Interviews to be held on Wednesday, 9th July 2025_**

**Working with HNE Health**

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are committed to enriching the health and wellbeing of our communities every day. As part of NSW Health, we offer a challenging and rewarding work environment, where diversity is valued and inclusion is core to our culture.
Join us in building a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace where you can grow your career and make a real difference.

**About the Role**

We are seeking an experienced and solutions-focused leader to join our People & Culture team as the Manager, Employee Relations. This senior role provides high-level strategic and operational leadership across employee and industrial relations for Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), supporting a workforce of over 17,000 employees.

As the Manager, Employee Relations, you will:

- Lead the development and implementation of employee and industrial relations strategies aligned with organisational objectives and legislative obligations.
- Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with industrial partners, union representatives, government bodies and internal stakeholders.
- Manage complex and high-risk industrial matters, sensitive investigations and organisational changes, offering expert guidance and strategic advice.
- Represent HNELHD in negotiations with unions, employees, legal counsel, and other external stakeholders, ensuring fair and transparent outcomes.
- Stay current with legislative changes and support internal capability building through education, coaching and mentoring across the HR Business Partnering team.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of policies, processes and tools that support effective and consistent employee relations and issues management.
- Provide timely support and advice to the HNELHD Executive and People & Culture teams on complex workplace matters and strategy.

This is a rewarding and dynamic role that offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the employee experience and contribute to the broader success of our health services across metro, regional, rural, and remote settings.

**Where you'll be working**

This position is primarily based in Waratah, Newcastle. As part of a district-wide leadership team, you will also be required to travel across the Local Health District to support staff and services on-site. Hunter New England Health provides an inclusive and flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.

**About You**

**You will have**:

- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing employee/industrial relations strategies within a complex environment.
- Strong leadership and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent the organisation in high-level discussions and forums.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare submissions and brief senior leaders and legal counsel.
- Experience in coaching, mentoring and building capability across a HR team.
- Proven ability to foster collaborative relationships with unions, staff, leaders and external agencies.
- Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
- A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across HNELHD.

**Why Join HNELHD?**

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you’re challenged by interesting, meaningful work while surrounded by spectacular locations and a strong values-led culture.

We offer:

- Monthly Allocated Day Off (ADO) for full-time employees
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 + novated leasing
- Fitness Passport - discounted gym memberships for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
- Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams across clinical and non-clinical areas
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

**Need more information?**

**Information for Applicants**:
This is a Category B position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category B positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Hunter New England Heal