Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

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The Spark Consortium has been selected for the Central Package of the North East Link Project – Victoria\’s biggest road project.

The Spark Consortium’s Design and Construction Contractor – which comprises Webuild, CPB Contractors, GS Engineering and Construction and China Construction Oceania – will deliver the twin three-lane tunnels and key interchanges for the project.

The Central Package will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership and provides three-lane twin tunnels that will close the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network from the M80 Ring Road to an upgraded Eastern Freeway, reducing journey times and diverting heavy vehicles away from local roads. Up to 135,000 vehicles will use North East Link every day, reducing congestion in the north-east while maintaining local roads.

About The Role

SPARK NEL D&C is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Relations Advisor to join our team, reporting directly to the IR Manager and working closely with the IR team. You will play a key role in providing expert Industrial Relations (IR) advice and managing IR matters for the project, ensuring compliance, subcontractor mobilisation, and employee engagement. This is an opportunity to influence project culture, performance, and outcomes on one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects.

You will be instrumental in managing subcontractor employee mobilisation, compliance, and resolving industrial relations matters. Your proactive approach will help foster a positive workplace culture, aligned with SPARK NEL D&C, you will demonstrate a desire to drive best for project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Performance : Collaborate with the IR Manager and supervisors to manage ROE processes, provide timely industrial relations advice, and resolve disputes and grievances.
• Leadership : Develop a high-performing team, maintaining visibility across the workplace, and mentoring staff to inspire a motivated and accountable workforce.
• Governance : Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Build relationships with unions, industry bodies, contractors, and senior leadership to ensure alignment on key industrial relations issues.
• Safety : Prioritize safety by managing risks, promoting hazard awareness, and encouraging open communication among teams.
• Culture Leadership : Actively promote SPARK NEL D&C\’s Culture Charter, setting an example in driving team engagement and collaboration.

About You:

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• A degree in Business, Law, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in HR or IR within the construction, mining, or manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience in resolving industrial relations issues and advising on employment legislation, awards, and enterprise agreements.
• Strong understanding of the Fair Work Australia system, particularly in unionised industries.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Why SPARK NEL D&C?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an iconic infrastructure project while advancing your career in industrial relations. You will be part of a supportive team committed to safety, performance, and creating a high-performing, inclusive culture.

Join Us

If you are passionate about industrial relations and ready to make a difference on a landmark project, apply today and be part of the team that’s building Victoria’s future.

SPARK is committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and actively seeks to remove barriers people may face in gaining a successful position on the North East Link Central Package. We value diversity, inclusion and equity through providing a working environment where all employees feel included, valued, and free to bring their different skills, experiences and perspectives.

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