Employee Relations Manager

Join us in building a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace where you can grow your career and make a real difference.


About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and solutions-focused leader to join our People & Culture team as the Manager, Employee Relations. This senior role provides high-level strategic and operational leadership across employee and industrial relations for Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), supporting a workforce of over 17,000 employees.

As the Manager, Employee Relations, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of employee and industrial relations strategies aligned with organisational objectives and legislative obligations.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with industrial partners, union representatives, government bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Manage complex and high-risk industrial matters, sensitive investigations and organisational changes, offering expert guidance and strategic advice.
• Represent HNELHD in negotiations with unions, employees, legal counsel, and other external stakeholders, ensuring fair and transparent outcomes.
• Stay current with legislative changes and support internal capability building through education, coaching and mentoring across the HR Business Partnering team.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of policies, processes and tools that support effective and consistent employee relations and issues management.
• Provide timely support and advice to the HNELHD Executive and People & Culture teams on complex workplace matters and strategy.

This is a rewarding and dynamic role that offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the employee experience and contribute to the broader success of our health services across metro, regional, rural, and remote settings.

Where you'll be working

This position is primarily based in Waratah, Newcastle. As part of a district-wide leadership team, you will also be required to travel across the Local Health District to support staff and services on-site. Hunter New England Health provides an inclusive and flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.

About You

You are a confident and empathetic leader who is experienced in navigating complex industrial matters and organisational change. You are highly skilled in interpreting legislation and awards, managing relationships with a broad stakeholder group, leading a capable specialist team and applying your knowledge to deliver practical, fair and timely workforce solutions.

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing employee/industrial relations strategies within a complex environment.
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent the organisation in high-level discussions and forums.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare submissions and brief senior leaders and legal counsel.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and building capability across a HR team.
• Proven ability to foster collaborative relationships with unions, staff, leaders and external agencies.
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across HNELHD.

Why Join HNELHD?

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you’re challenged by interesting, meaningful work while surrounded by spectacular locations and a strong values-led culture.

We offer:

• Monthly Allocated Day Off (ADO) for full-time employees
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
• Salary packaging options  – up to $11,600 + novated leasing
• Fitness Passport – discounted gym memberships for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
• Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams across clinical and non-clinical areas
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero