About This Role
Senior Industrial Relations (IR) Partner
Location:
Brisbane (QLD) or Richmond (NSW)
Duration
: 12 months with the possibility of extension
About The Opportunity
Airbus is seeking a Senior Industrial Relations Partner to serve as the primary authority for all IR and Employee Relations (ER) matters across Australia and New Zealand.
In this role, you will be the key subject matter expert responsible for navigating the complexities of Enterprise Bargaining, legislative compliance, and union relationships. This is a position for a confident communicator who can manage complex cases with precision, integrity, and a focus on best-for-company outcomes.
Primary Responsibilities
As the lead for the IR Framework, you will drive service delivery excellence while ensuring strict compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
* Lead Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations and interpretations. Represent Airbus against industrial action and during Fair Work Commission hearings.
* Provide expert, professional, and accurate advice on the interpretation of industrial legislation to Business Leaders and Senior HRBPs.
* Lead workplace investigations, disciplinary committee matters, and complex ER cases, providing high level guidance and support to people leaders.
* Empower and coach the HR Operational team to achieve their KPIs and service targets regarding ER/IR matters.
* Review and maintain the AAP IR Framework in collaboration with the VP HR & Workplace, ensuring all processes align with the Airbus Code of Conduct.
* Support the execution of AAP strategy and ensure IR/ER capability meets current and future organizational demands.
Your Expertise
We are looking for a seasoned professional with a "business first" mindset and the ability to influence at all levels of management.
Essential Criteria
* Minimum 5 years in Industrial Relations, Employee Relations, Legal, or a similar field.
* Proven track record of negotiating EBAs across a complex matrix-structured business.
* Detailed mastery of current Australian/NZ employment legislation, award interpretation, and emerging industrial issues.
* Experience coaching and guiding HR Business Partners and Functional Managers through complex ER/IR processes.
* A Degree in Business, Human Resources, Psychology, Law, or a related field.
Desirable
* Post-graduate qualifications in a business related or HR discipline.
Skills & Abilities
* Ability to build long lasting, collaborative relationships and foster professional connections with Unions.
* A straightforward, confident, and open communicator who can convey complex messages clearly and persuasively.
* Consulting and advisory skills with the ability to resolve IR/ER issues between internal and external stakeholders.
* Ability to understand and interpret legislation to create multi leveled solutions for business wide compliance.
* A demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and the Airbus Values.
Why us
Here at Airbus we offer a holistic, competitive framework that recognises performance and rewards outcomes. This includes offering you meaningful benefits that support your health and wellbeing, your work life balance and your bank balance.
Some Of Our Benefits Include
* Flexible working could include options such as work from home (hybrid working), 9 day fortnights and flexible days - Let us know what flexibility means to you
* Shopping discounts across hundreds of retailers
* Generous parental leave entitlements
* Travel discounts for flights, rental cars and accommodation
* Novated leasing options with two providers
* Free onsite parking
* A commitment to your professional development through classroom and online learning
Supporting Diversity
At Airbus, we recognise that we are strengthened by diversity. We are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. Diversity is key to our ability to work cohesively as a team regardless of age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Airbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Female applicants, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent and ex-defence personnel are encouraged to apply.
If it sounds like a role for you apply now
Applications close 5 March 2026
Please note: Position may close prior to close date so don't delay apply now
You must be eligible for an Australian Government Security Clearance and have the capacity to satisfy pre-employment medical screening which may include drug and alcohol testing.