Specialist - Workplace Relations & Planning

Department : People & Culture

Division: Workplace Relations & Planning

Reference number: 12666

Engagement type: Permanent

AEMO at the Heart of Energy
AEMO is Australia's independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO's purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

About The Role
As Australia's energy landscape evolves, our Workforce Relations & Planning function plays a pivotal role in shaping AEMO's future workforce. This team leads enterprise-wide strategy and provides expert guidance to ensure we have the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, supporting our mission through innovation and foresight.

We're not just planning for tomorrow, we're designing it. From long-term workforce strategies to the day-to-day management of employee and industrial relations, this function drives impactful initiatives, policies, and solutions that foster a resilient, agile, and future-ready organisation.

What You Will Be Doing
In this role, you will be a trusted technical expert and strategic partner to the business, providing guidance and leadership across a broad range of employee and workplace relations matters. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading complex employee relations cases with a focus on resolution, compliance, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Driving enterprise bargaining processes, including preparation, negotiation, and implementation of collective agreements that support organisational goals and employee engagement.
• Providing expert support during major organisational change, ensuring industrial relations obligations are met and risks are effectively managed.
• Interpreting and applying employment legislation, workplace policies, modern awards, and enterprise agreements, offering clear and practical advice to leaders and stakeholders.
• Designing and implementing workplace policies that are aligned with best practice, compliant with legal frameworks, and supportive of a high-performing workforce.
• Delivering coaching and training to leaders and teams on employee and industrial relations matters, building capability and confidence across the organisation.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Degree qualified in Human Resources or a related discipline are essential, with legal qualifications considered highly advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of employment legislation, industrial relations trends, and compliance obligations, with proven experience leading enterprise bargaining negotiations and union engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex change initiatives and multi-divisional programs end-to-end, with a strong understanding of change management principles and their practical application.
• Possess a detailed understanding of core HR functions, including recruitment, organisational development, policy, and remuneration and how they interconnect to drive business outcomes.
• Skilled in building and managing key stakeholder relationships, with the ability to coach and mentor senior leaders and People & Culture colleagues across all levels of the organisation.

In Return Some Of Our Benefits to You

• Flexible working: Work from home, hybrid options, and additional leave options.
• Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more.
• Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process
AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, religion and our First Nation peoples. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at

If you would like to know more about working at AEMO , please check out our careers page for more information.

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