Employee Relations Business Partner

Employee Relations Business Partner

Slater and Gordon Lawyers are a leading personal injury and class actions law firm where every member of our team has a shared passion for our clients. We pride ourselves on offering easier access to world class legal services to clients from all backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances.

Our commitment to our people includes offering genuine work-life balance, with a hybrid work environment allowing them to split their time between home and the office. We recognise and reward high performance and have outstanding employee benefits including an extra week of annual leave, paid parental leave, extra-long service leave together with various ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

What are we looking for?

Our People and Culture team is seeking an experienced Employee Relations (ER) Business Partner to elevate leader enablement and drive organisational maturity across our business. This is a full-time permanent opportunity based in our Melbourne office. We are open to discussions around flexible work options, and we offer a hybrid work environment, where you can spend your time between office and home, however to set expectations upfront, a minimum of three days per week is anticipated for in office collaboration and contribution.

In this role, you will play a crucial role in leading and enhancing employee and industrial relations within Slater and Gordon, which means across our legal practice groups and shared services teams. You will work closely with people leaders and employees to address workplace issues, ensure compliance with labour laws and our Enterprise Agreement, and promote and champion a positive workplace culture. The ER Business Partner is a key role in our People Experience team and will work alongside our generalist HR Business Partners to influence the development of leaders and help contribute to the evolution of our culture.

A typical day will have you responsible for:

• Employee Relations Management: Collaborate with our generalist HR BPs to act as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for complex employee relations issues, providing guidance and support to people leaders and employees on workplace matters.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediate and resolve conflicts between employees and people leaders, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies and procedures.
• Performance Management: Support the performance management process by advising managers on best practices and assisting with performance improvement plans.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations, and governance with internal processes and procedures including conducting regular audits and staying updated on changes in employment legislation.
• Policy Development: . Shape and implement strategies, policies and procedures that enhance organisational culture and maturity across ER / IR and legal requirements and organisational goals – help our leaders embed best practice.
• Training and Development: In consideration to our people strategy and legislative requirements, support the development and delivery of training programs i covering topics such as employee relations foundations, conflict resolution, and performance / discipline management. .
• Employee Engagement: Collaborate with internal HR and Talent teams to manage and develop initiatives that enhance employee engagement and promote a positive work environment.

What will you bring?

To be successful, you will ideally have the following qualifications, skills and capabilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Law (ER / IR focus), or a related field.
• Proven experience in employee relations or a similar HR role ideally within a professional services organisation.
• Strong knowledge of labour laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement
• A team player
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving
• The ability to influence positive change.

In return, we will offer you

• A career experience like no other – we are in a period of transformation, and ready to work smarter
• An HR team ready for learning and engagement
• An executive leadership group willing to listen and learn
• A ‘greenfield’ role – this is a newly created position
• A career opportunity in a legal environment where justice matters
• 18 weeks paid parental leave, and other reproductive benefits
• 5 days extra paid leave over the festive period
• Hybrid working (Collins Street office, close to Southern Cross station)

What next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply directly to Slater and Gordon. We prefer to talk with you personally and are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies.

To be eligible for this position, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a valid visa with full and unrestricted working rights in Australia. Proof of work rights will be required as part of the Slater and Gordon application process.

Acknowledgement of Country Slater and Gordon acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples today.

Diversity + Inclusion Slater and Gordon is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. S+G is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other legally protected attributes. We understand that everyone has different needs. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process please let us know in your application.