Head of Employee Relations

**Job Title**:
Head of Employee Relations
**Location**:
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
**Role Type**:
Permanent Full Time
QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. With more than 8,000 employees worldwide - including 800+ here in Australia - we deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence, national security, and essential industry.
Following a strategic redesign, we’ve sharpened our focus and are investing in the future - starting with the people who will help shape it. This includes new roles within our Business Development (Growth) Function.
If you're driven by purpose, passionate about solving complex problems, and ready to make a real impact - there’s never been a better time to join us.
With a presence in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and Germany, we bring global expertise to local challenges, helping build Australia’s sovereign industrial capability for the future.
As our new Lead People Partner - Employee Relations (Head of Employee Relations), you’ll lead our employee relations strategy and execution, focused on fostering positive working relationships between QinetiQ and its people.
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will provide strategic advice and help shape how we engage with our workforce. Drawing upon enhanced communication and consultation skills, you will create high quality relationships with external stakeholders including unions and external regulatory bodies, and operate with the goal of maintaining positive engagement with our employees.
You will collaborate with both the internal People function and Australian leadership team to proactivity develop workforce labour negotiations, employment compliance, and complex employment matters and in doing so, draw upon your own highly developed technical skills and commercial acumen to provide whole of business solutions.
Importantly, this role will oversee the development and improvement of our employment frameworks with a focus on compliance and managing regulatory changes, including in respect of collective bargaining and union relationships.
In terms of location, we are flexible to consider talented people in Adelaide, Canberra or Melbourne.
**So what will it take? This unique opportunity calls for**:
Experience negotiating enterprise agreements and managing union relationships
Well-developed understanding of legislative requirements, NES, Modern Awards, workers compensation, federal and state employment laws and other HR compliance obligations across national Australian operations
Experience undertaking substantial change management activities including restructures and business transformation
Strong interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication, consultation skills, presentation and influence
High level of maturity, self-confidence with an ability to partner with stakeholders
Strong analytical skills, decision making capabilities, agility and responsiveness
Whilst not essential, tertiary level qualifications in Law or Industrial Relations or a relevant discipline will be highly regarded.
Due to the nature of our business, applicants must also be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance.
LI-CR #LI-Hybrid
Looking for an Employer with Benefits?
At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success, and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.
**Some of our benefits include**:
Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional development
Flexible work
Purchased leave program & loyalty leave
Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
Annual incentive scheme
Complimentary salary continuance insurance
Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
Relaxed dress code