Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

• Drive fair, consistent and compliant workplace outcomes as a trusted advisor on complex industrial and employee relations matters at Ausgrid
• Permanent Full Time | Competitive Package + Bonus Opportunity
• Join us at our Haymarket, Sydney or Newcastle Head Office | Flexible Hybrid Model

About Ausgrid – we're wired for good

We're the largest distributer of electricity on Australia's east coast, which means over two million homes and businesses rely on our good work. We're here at the heart of the energy transition, and we're driven by a powerful purpose to make electricity accessible for all.

It's an exciting new chapter for our company with each day bringing a renewed energy to how we deliver, store and use electricity. As we continue to grow, we're in search of exceptional talent to help us achieve our goals.

Everyone's job is important here. Our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we. We're committed to fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace, and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

See yourself working here

We're seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Relations (IR) Advisor to join our Employee Relations Centre of Excellence — a trusted partner to leaders, union representatives and employees alike.

In this pivotal role, you'll work across IR, People Partnering and Legal teams to deliver consistent governance, policy development, and case management approaches that strengthen trust and transparency across Ausgrid. You'll play a key role in fostering constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives, ensuring compliance with our Enterprise Agreement and employment law obligations, while promoting effective workplace communication and resolution.

Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, you'll act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or high-risk matters, guiding leaders and People Partners through issues with confidence, integrity and care.

You will:

• Provide expert Employee Relations advice and coaching to People Partners, ER Specialists and leaders on complex and sensitive matters.
• Oversee conduct management processes including providing advice to specialists and senior leaders on fair and just outcomes.
• Drive governance and consistency across ER policies, templates, and processes, ensuring alignment with legislative, EA and company standards
• Partner on policy development and compliance, shaping best practice approaches and supporting implementation across the business.
• Prepare reports and insights for Executive and Board audiences, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for proactive improvement.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of ER-related leadership training and capability uplift initiatives.

What you bring to the role

Our hiring decisions are not only based on your experience and skills, but your passion, attitude, and alignment to our core values.

You're a trusted advisor with strong industrial relations expertise, a collaborative mindset and a passion for supporting fair, transparent and consistent workplace outcomes. You combine technical knowledge with sound judgment, empathy and influence, thriving in a fast-paced, unionised environment.

To be successful, you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related field
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment laws, industrial relations frameworks and collective agreements.
• 5+ years' experience in employee or industrial relations within a unionised environment, or in a closely related role.
• Demonstrated ability to build constructive working relationships between management, employees and union representatives.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence with credibility.
• Experience with conflict resolution and mediation in unionised contexts.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion, empathy and integrity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a solutions-focused mindset.

Life at Ausgrid

At Ausgrid, we go beyond just a competitive salary to offer an exciting range of benefits designed to support your financial, health, and personal well-being From salary sacrificing on electric vehicles and novated leasing, to discounted corporate health insurance and access to Fitness Passport, you're bound to find something that empowers your life. Plus, our Fit for Life program ensures you're always feeling your best—physically and mentally.

Celebrate success every day with our Amped Recognition Program, where peers can cheer each other on. Looking to grow professionally? We've got you covered with study assistance, organisational training, secondments and our dynamic mentoring program.

We're proud to offer gender-neutral family leave to support all our employees, as well as an exclusive Employee Staff Club for a little extra fun. For those supporting family members, our Aged Care Support Services offer expert guidance on aged care to ensure peace of mind. At Ausgrid, it's all about supporting you in every aspect of life

If you require support with your application/reasonable adjustments for the interview process, please reach out to our dedicated Talent team

Application close date: 21 November 2025
(this date is subject to early closure)

Applicants must have full Australian work rights to apply.

Join us in shaping a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.