P&C Specialist (Employee Relations) - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide
Join to apply for the P&C Specialist (Employee Relations) role at Coles Group. A new role means a new way to win together. We've been proudly serving Australian communities since 1914 and at the heart of our continued success lies our 115,000 team members working across the country. If you're looking for a career-defining opportunity, take the next step and explore another way your work can have impact and make a difference.
About The Team
People and Culture are dedicated to fostering an engaged and empowered workplace. One that's strong, diverse and where our team members have exciting career pathways to choose from. We do it by making people's lives easier through better experiences, useful tools, and by providing ongoing opportunities to learn and grow.
At Coles Group, we are committed to fostering a workplace that upholds the highest standards of fairness, compliance, and integrity. As part of our People Advisory team, you will play a key role in ensuring our people practices align with legislative requirements and best‑practice workplace relations strategies. We are seeking a Workplace Relations Specialist to provide expert case management and advocacy on complex employment matters, including allegations of serious misconduct, discrimination, bullying, and other breaches of workplace legislation.
This position could be based in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide.
About The Role
As a Specialist – P&C Advisory, you will be responsible for managing high-risk and complex ER cases, providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders, and ensuring Coles' workplace policies comply with relevant laws and industrial instruments. Key responsibilities include:
* End-to-end ER case management – managing up to 20 complex cases at a time, including workplace disputes, serious misconduct, and unlawful termination claims
* Tribunal representation – preparing for and attending Fair Work Commission proceedings, conciliations, and hearings
* Investigations – conducting legally robust workplace investigations into allegations of discrimination, bullying, harassment, and breaches of workplace legislation
* Medical case management – handling fitness-for-work assessments and managing cases involving medical incapacity
* Enterprise agreement and award interpretation – providing expert advice on industrial relations frameworks and obligations
* Stakeholder engagement – working closely with senior business leaders, HR teams, and legal counsel to mitigate workplace risks and ensure best‑practice compliance
Must Have Skills
* Solid experience in workplace relations, employment law, or a related legal discipline
* Extensive experience managing high-risk workplace investigations and complex employee relations cases
* Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), discrimination law, workplace health and safety legislation, and case law
* Experience preparing for and representing employers in tribunal proceedings, including conciliations and arbitrations
* Proven ability to manage a large and varied caseload, ensuring timely and effective resolution
* Exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence senior leaders
* A strategic, solutions-focused approach with strong analytical and communication skills
What's In It For You?
* Flexible working options – hybrid working to support work‑life balance
* Office perks – gym facility, fitness classes, free parking, BBQ area, mini‑Coles supermarket, fooderie hub, school holiday programme and more
* Discounts – 5% discount year‑round on supermarket and liquor purchases, 10% double discount periods, hotdeals exclusives
* Recognition – digital platform 'mythanks' to accumulate points for rewards
* Learning & development – career development programs and job‑specific training
* Paid parental leave – for permanent team members
* Investment in your future – annual share plan allowing pre‑tax salary sacrifice to purchase Coles Group shares
About The Recruitment Process
We're building a gender equitable team and a culture that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. We gladly adjust our recruitment process to support candidates with disability. For further information and additional contact details visit the 'Our Recruitment Process' section of our careers site or email
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal and Public Relations
Industries
Retail
#J-18808-Ljbffr