Title:  Workplace Relations Specialist

About us

At Officeworks we make bigger things happen. Our customers, our team, and our community are our heart and soul. And if our brilliant people have taught us anything, it is that we can do all kinds of incredible things, each and every day.

Fast paced. Innovative. Inspiring. With close to 10,000 team members and a national footprint of more than 173 retail stores Australia wide – we’re focused on delivering a wide range, low price and great service. We’re about inspiring new ideas and thinking outside the box. We’re about kicking goals, having a laugh and pushing each other. We are about being rewarded and supported. We’re about teaching a customer something new and supporting the community. We’re about making a difference.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to join our People & Culture team. In this role, you’ll provide expert employee and industrial relations support across the business, partnering with leaders to navigate complex people matters and ensure our practices are legally compliant, commercially sound, and aligned to our values.

This role operates in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, where you will balance business-as-usual (BAU) case management with involvement in key programs of work and strategic initiatives across workplace relations.

You’ll play a key role in managing high-risk ER cases, supporting regulatory engagement, contributing to enterprise bargaining, and providing guidance on legislative change, policy, and pay compliance.

Key Responsibilities;

• Lead and advise on complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including investigations, disputes, and grievances
• Provide expert ER guidance to People Advisory and Business Partners, supporting consistent and compliant decision-making
• Manage and support engagement with external regulators (e.g. Fair Work Commission, Fair Work Ombudsman)
• Contribute to workplace relations strategy, including enterprise bargaining preparation and implementation
• Support and deliver key programs of work across workplace relations, alongside BAU priorities
• Monitor and interpret legislative changes, providing input into policy development and updates
• Support pay accuracy and compliance initiatives through award and agreement interpretation
• Partner with Governance & Compliance and Legal teams on ER and IR matters as required

About you

• Significant experience in employee or industrial relations within a complex, fast-paced, or high-volume environment
• Strong knowledge of Australian workplace relations legislation and frameworks
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across BAU and project-based work
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-risk ER matters with sound judgement and discretion
• Experience engaging with regulators or tribunals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice

Desirable:

• Experience working both within a law firm and in-house (corporate environment) is highly regarded
• Experience supporting enterprise bargaining or agreement negotiations
• Exposure to pay compliance, award interpretation, or remediation programs
• Background in retail, supply chain, or large operational workforces
• Tertiary qualifications in Law, Workplace Relations, or a related discipline

 #LI-MR1, #LI-HYBRID

Our culture

If you’re searching for an organisation that’s truly committed to its people, where you can thrive in a culture of togetherness, then join Officeworks and let’s make bigger things happen – for all of us!  We celebrate our teams’ uniqueness by offering genuine team member benefits to the Officeworks family:

• We’re all about giving you the flexibility you need to keep things balanced to suit your individual needs. 
• Enjoy generous discounts across Officeworks, Geeks2U, Bunnings, Kmart, Target and the wider Wesfarmers brands.
• Access to our Officeworks benefits program for exclusive discounts and perks across entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.
• Our Growing Families Policy supports team members during the exciting and challenging times of expanding their family
• We prioritise safety, mental health and wellbeing, offering access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as well as other ongoing programs
• Our Flexible Public Holidays Policy supports those who observe cultural or religious holidays different from the standard public holidays in Australia
• Take advantage of outstanding learning and development programs to support your career growth
• Explore fantastic career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group.

At Officeworks, we operate best when our team represents the communities we serve.  We proudly commit to providing a safe and supportive work environment for our team.  We encourage applications from all candidates of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), people with disabilities, and the LGBTQI+ community.