Lead - Employee Relations - 6 Month Contract

About Orica

At Orica, it’s the power of our people that leads change and shapes our futures.  Every day, all around the world, our people help mobilise vital resources essential to progress. Established in 1874, we have grown to become the world leader in mining and civil blasting with a diverse of team of more than 13,000 across the world.

It’s an exciting time to join us – we are shaping the future of mining through digital and automated technologies, embracing new ways of thinking, pioneering innovation and reimagining the way we work.

About the role

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead – Employee Relations to join our Australian business on a 6-month contract, based at our Brisbane head office in Cannon Hill.

This role will partner closely with our ER Manager to provide strategic and operational ER support to senior leaders and line managers across our Mining Services and Manufacturing functions in AusPac.

A key focus will be shaping and executing our Employee and Industrial Relations (ER/IR) strategy across a complex landscape of 20+ Enterprise Agreements. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment across agreements, while supporting business continuity and workforce engagement.

You’ll also work collaboratively with HR Managers, business leaders, employees, and unions to resolve workplace issues, ensure compliance, and foster constructive relationships across all levels of the organisation.

What you will be doing

• Strategising and aligning ER/IR practices across multiple Enterprise Agreements to support operational consistency and mitigate risk.
• Resolving a wide range of workplace issues, including disputes and grievances, to maintain a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Ensuring compliance with industrial agreements and employment legislation, while providing expert guidance to HR and business leaders.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with unions, employees, and management through open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Supporting HR Managers in delivering ER initiatives that enhance workforce engagement, performance, and organisational effectiveness.

What you will bring

• A degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading enterprise bargaining processes, ideally within heavy industry.
• Strong understanding of industrial agreements and employment law, with a track record of ensuring compliance and resolving complex ER issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage disputes, grievances, and negotiations with professionalism and strategic insight.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation, including unions and senior leadership.
• Experience supporting HR teams in implementing ER strategies that drive business outcomes and employee engagement.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
   

What we offer

As part of a truly global company, you will have the ability to grow and learn in a diverse, collaborative culture. We foster relationships and learning through connected global and local teams, promote flexible and diverse career paths and support the development of your knowledge and skills.

You will be paid a competitive salary, learn from talented individuals across multiple disciplines and be able to thrive in a safe workplace within a collaborative culture. Ignite your career at a place where your distinct potential can find its home.

We respect and value all

Orica promotes and fosters a culture of inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment everywhere we operate. We treat our people and applicants with fairness, dignity, and respect, getting the best of everyone’s contributions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, nationality, age, military or veteran, marital or disability status.