Employee Relations Advisor

PERSOL is one of Australia's largest and longest-serving recruitment providers. Delivering both quality temporary and permanent options.

PERSOL brings together the legacy and experience of four organisations that shaped the staffing landscape over the past century: Kelly Services, who pioneered the modern temporary help industry in 1946; SKILLED, who crafted the staffing industry in Australia in 1964; Programmed, the leading provider of operations and maintenance services across Australia and New Zealand; and PERSOL, the largest workforce solutions provider in APAC.

Our client is currently seeking an ER & HR Lawyer/Advisor to join their Melbourne office team.

*All applicants must hold full work rights to work permanently in Australia.

About the role:

The Employment Relations Advisor acts as a trusted partner to the HR team, business leaders, and stakeholders by providing expert advice and support on a wide range of employment relations matters. This role ensures compliance with employment legislation and internal policies, while promoting a positive, fair, and safe workplace culture.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the leadership team, business stakeholders, retail operations, and head office teams on employee relations matters.
• Manage the full spectrum of employee relations activities, providing end-to-end guidance and support.
• Provide clear, practical, and legally sound advice to HR leadership, managers, and stakeholders.
• Draft and review memos, reports, and recommendations for ER/HR-related issues.
• Conduct workplace investigations (e.g., EEO, bullying, harassment, misconduct) and lead outcome meetings.
• Facilitate internal disciplinary and Code of Conduct committee processes.
• Review and update HR policies, procedures, contracts, and provide advice on employment law queries.
• Promote and support workplace mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Coordinate workplace health and safety matters in alignment with global standards and local legislative requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Represent or support the business in disputes, contract negotiations, and external proceedings (e.g., Fair Work Commission hearings).
• Provide advice on industrial instruments (e.g., Awards), including classification, entitlements, and application.

Skills and Experience:

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates the following:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in employment relations, workplace relations, or HR law, preferably within a fast-paced, customer and employee-focused organisation.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, workplace relations frameworks, and best practice ER/HR policies.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and deliver advice that balances business needs with employee wellbeing.
• Experience in conducting workplace investigations and managing complex ER cases.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Tertiary qualifications in Law (Employment or Workplace Relations) highly desirable. Equivalent knowledge and experience will also be considered.
• Strong commitment to fostering a fair, safe, and inclusive workplace culture.

HOW TO APPLY

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role. Click "APPLY" to register for this role or contact Yoko Imada at and quote reference – for any enquiries. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

You will be provided with a supportive environment and infrastructure to allow you to thrive, yet the flexibility to allow you to make your mark in the firm. You will also be rewarded with a competitive salary dependent upon experience and on- going commitment to professional development and advancement. Only applicants shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.