Get to Know Us
Since 1833, Svitzer has played a key role in global towage. While our crew gets the job done on the water, it's our shore-based teams that make sure everything's ready to go. Whether you're supporting operations, technical, safety or logistics, you'll be part of a trusted, down-to-earth team that takes pride in doing things properly - together.
Do you have a passion for industrial relations, employment law and shaping strategy? If so, we're looking for an
Industrial Relations/Employee Relations Specialist
to join our team in Fremantle on a permanent full-time basis.
Why You'll Want to Join Us
This role is your chance to be part of a small, highly skilled Industrial Relations team that works closely with our People, Communications, Legal & Safety teams. Together, you'll shape strategies that directly influence our Australian business and provide trusted support to leaders right across the organisation.
Because we operate in a highly unionised environment, you'll be exposed to some of the most complex and challenging workplace relations matters in Australia. It's an environment that sharpens your negotiation skills, builds confidence in handling disputes, and gives you the opportunity to make a real impact at both the operational and strategic level.
How You'll Make a Difference
Reporting to the Head of Industrial Relations based in Sydney, you'll play a key role in helping us manage and strengthen our workplace relations. Your responsibilities will include
* Providing practical and strategic advice on the Fair Work Act, enterprise agreements, modern awards and other workplace legislation.
* Working closely with leaders to develop and deliver industrial relations strategies that support both our people and business goals.
* Leading the resolution of industrial disputes and employee matters, including representation at the Fair Work Commission.
* Supporting the negotiation of enterprise agreements, ensuring outcomes are both commercially sound and sustainable.
* Partnering with our People, Communications, Legal & Safety teams to manage change, performance and compliance matters.
* Keeping across legislative and industry changes and guiding the business on what they mean in practice.
* Building trusted relationships with unions, employee representatives and internal stakeholders.
* Helping design and deliver training for leaders and the People team, lifting capability across the business.
What You'll Bring
To thrive in this role, you'll bring:
* Tertiary qualifications in Law, Human Resources, or Industrial Relations, supported by experience in a law firm, industry association, or in-house environment.
* Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, modern awards, enterprise agreements, and employment law.
* Hands-on experience working in a unionised environment, with the confidence to engage constructively with employee representatives.
* Practical exposure to Fair Work Commission proceedings, including conciliation and dispute resolution.
* An approachable and professional style that builds positive and inclusive relationships, combined with the ability to communicate with clarity and authority when needed.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with a focus on achieving practical and balanced solutions.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, underpinned by accuracy and attention to detail.
* A proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset, contributing effectively across teams and stakeholders.
* Resilience under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver consistent outcomes.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.