Employee Relations Manager

• Bring your legal or professional services experience in similar role to this high-impact, business-critical role
• Be the trusted expert supporting with the firm's most complex and sensitive people matters
• Drive real change through process improvement and AI-enabled solutions
• Flexibility to be based out of the Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane CBD office
• Join 2026 winner of 'Most Innovative Law Firm in the Asia-Pacific' at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards

Who are we?

We are Mallesons. The top-tier independent firm from Australia, a full-service firm trusted on the most complex and consequential matters across our region and around the world. We've been part of Australia's story for almost 200 years and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands and waters.

Our independence gives us the flexibility to combine our extensive top tier full-service capability with the best advisers in every market. With deep expertise, collective judgment and genuine collaboration, we cut through complexity so our clients can move forward with confidence and make more happen.

Role Detail

As part of our wider People and Development (P&D) team, sitting within the P&D Workplace Experience Area of Specialisation, you will play a critical role in enabling a fair, safe and legally compliant workplace by providing expert leadership in employee relations case management, investigations, safety matters, workers compensation, Fair Work and Award interpretation, and ER‑related projects across the firm.

The role is responsible for managing complex and high‑risk employee relations matters, either advisory or end‑to‑end, while also leading or supporting ER subject matter expert projects that strengthen firm‑wide capability, governance and compliance frameworks, risk management and support people risk to be well managed- with a particular focus on seeking out AI/automation enablement opportunities.

The role works closely with other P&D Areas of Specialisation to ensure ER practices are embedded, automated where possible, consistent, and continuously improved.

Reporting to the Perth based Head of P&D Workplace Experience, drawing from our principles such as empathy, betterment and trust, this role sees you add value through key responsibilities such as:

• Leading Employee Relations (ER) across the firm including safety, workers compensation and insurances, acting as a trusted subject matter expert delivering clear, commercially pragmatic advice across the employee lifecycle
• Managing complex ER matters where required or in an advisory capacity, ensuring timely, confidential and high-quality outcomes
• Driving ER excellence and governance, including:
• Interpretation and application of employment legislation (Fair Work Act, Awards)
• Oversight of ER processes, templates and case management standards
• Contribution to firm-wide risk management, compliance and reporting Embedding continuous improvement, leveraging insights and trends to strengthen risk controls, the employee experience and contribute to thought leadership
• Leading ER transformation initiatives, improving systems, reporting and ways of working through technology, automation and responsible use of AI
• Partnering with key stakeholders across the business to ensure consistent triage, escalation and risk management of people issues
• Supporting health, safety and wellbeing outcomes, including return-to-work processes, psychosocial risk management and integration with WHS and insurance frameworks
• Maintaining ER policies, documentation and capability uplift, developing toolkits, guidance and training to enable effective business partnering
• Managing external provider relationships (e.g. EAP, case management and reporting platforms) and leveraging insights to inform wellbeing and risk strategies

About You

The firm is constantly looking at how to continually learn and lead in this area, to ensure our people feel valued, seen and safe. You will play a key role in shaping a fair, safe and high-performing workplace.

With elevated visibility and influence across the firm, you will gain exposure to complex, high-stakes work. You will have the opportunity to shape strategy and ways of working - not just deliver BAU. With the role encompassing innovation, continuous improvement and AI adoption this role needs a natural collaborator with a passion for the ER space.

You will also need:

• Experience leading ER projects, process design and continuous improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated advanced experience in employee relations case management, investigations and employment law in a complex environment
• Strong working knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), Awards and related employment legislation and the intersection with workers compensation, WHS and Salary Continuance Insurance frameworks
• Enjoyment mentoring and collaborating
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusted relationships and effectively influence stakeholders without formal authority
• Project management and time management skills
• Capacity to multi-task and a flexible, proactive attitude
• Proven ability to manage high risk, sensitive and high profile matters with sound judgement and confidentiality
• Ability to partner effectively with compliance, risk, legal and business stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and practical guidance
• Legal qualifications are desirable but not essential

Next Steps

Please click 'Apply Now' to apply online with your cover letter summarising why you're applying and your resume to support your experience.

Applications close 5pm AEST Wednesday 17th June 2026.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to Bridget on 02) 9296 3563.

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm in Australia.

Why work with us?

We build careers that go everywhere. Mallesons is a special place to work where anything is possible, ambitions are limitless and diversity and inclusion play an important role. It's a place where you will collaborate with exceptional colleagues and clients, where you will sharpen your edge and support others to do the same, where you will make a difference you can be proud of. You will have access to a suite of wellbeing initiatives, benefits, policies and process that will support you to achieve your career goals.

Together we learn. Together we master. Together we lead.

Diversity and Inclusion

Mallesons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, value, support and harness the positive benefits that people's different life experiences bring, especially as they relate to gender, sexual identity, culture, faith, disability and life stages.

If you are unsure if you meet all criteria for this role, but have a passion for delivering high quality work, developing your skills and realising your full potential, then we encourage you to apply and have a further conversation about how you could fit at Mallesons.

We have a range of inclusive hiring practices - if you would like to seek workplace adjustments to complete your application please contact the Recruitment contact for this role or email ***email_hidden***