Industrial Relations Manager

The Project

John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Joint Venture (JCG) has commenced design and construction work for the Sydney Metro West - Eastern Tunnelling Package (ETP). 

ETP includes the construction of 3.5-kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour between The Bays and the Sydney CBD, and the excavation of Pyrmont and Hunter Street stations. This is the final piece in the puzzle to deliver the city-shaping Sydney Metro West project. 

www.jcgjv.com.au

Why you should work for us:

• We invest in you! Our Match Winning Team program provides a fantastic opportunity for personal and career growth, with coaching from professional athletes including former Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe. 
• Location, location, location! The beautiful Sydney Harbour is on the doorstep of our three station sites. Our head office and The Bays sites also has stunning 360-degree views of the city.  
• We promote a positive work-life balance! The wellbeing of our people is a priority for us. We don’t just talk, we act. We’ve got a Wellbeing Committee and systems in place to support fitness, mental health, flexible working, including an Employee Assistance Service and the Better Sleep Program.  
• Our inclusive workplace and high engagement culture will allow you to thrive! At ETP, we’re one team. Everyone has a role to play in making this Project successful and we we’re sure you’ll enjoy coming to work each day. 

The role

Are you a seasoned IR professional looking for a role that offers lot of challenge, complex yet sensitive stakeholder management, and hands on involvement in the day-to-day operations of a major infrastructure Sydney Metro West project?

Reporting to the People and Culture Director this standalone role is charged with ensuring that sound IR practices continues to be embedded across the Project to facilitate a harmonious working environment; minimise lost time due to industrial disputation and ensure legislative and Building Code compliance including subcontractors.

The role is for a 5-day week, and working hours are aligned to construction hours of work. Flexibility will be required to attend either morning or night shift pre-starts.

We are open to considering anyone interested in contracting or consulting on a fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance and support to site project leadership teams on complex industrial relations issues, including union right of entry to site, disputes, performance/disciplinary matters, and subcontractor workforce management.
• Manage and maintain positive and effective relationships between blue collar employees, site management, and representative unions.
• Ensure strict compliance with the Project Enterprise Agreement, and relevant legislation.
• Manage union visits to site and actively foster positive relationships.
• Review management plans, and project specific workplace procedures to ensure consistency with legislative and client requirements.
• Build IR/ER capability with leaders across the project through training and coaching.
• Represent the JV in labour-related hearings, negotiations, and discussions with external stakeholders.

Skills and Experience:

• Relevant degree
• Expert knowledge of employment law and relevant WHS legislation
• 15+ years’ experience in managing complex industrial relations in the Construction or Mining industries.
• Proven ability to build trusted and respected relationships with employees, leaders, and union delegates and officials.
• Strong sense of organisational justice and fairness
• Ability to interpret Agreements consistent with the company’s objectives.