Industrial Relations Lead

Freo Group Pty Ltd

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Industrial Relations Lead – Join Us in Lifting the Weight Off Your Shoulders. Safely.

At Freo Group, our people make the difference. We are committed to working safely, supporting our communities, and delivering quality outcomes for our clients. Backed by Marmon Group and Berkshire Hathaway, we combine the strength of a global organisation with the agility of a locally focused business.

We support major customers across mining, resources, infrastructure and energy, including BHP, BMA, Glencore, Rio Tinto, South32, Northern Star Resources, Newmont, Santos and Alcoa. With operations nationwide, Freo Group offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to some of Australia’s most significant projects.

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking a highly capable and commercially minded Industrial Relations professional who leads with credibility and influence in complex, unionised environments. You bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to IR, with the ability to balance compliance, risk and business outcomes while supporting broader operational priorities.

This role will suit an individual who can confidently engage and influence at a senior level, build strong and enduring relationships, and provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex industrial matters. You will play a key role in driving consistent, fit-for-purpose IR practices across a national business, while uplifting capability and performance across the organisation.

The position is offered as a 0.8 FTE, with flexibility to work either a 4-day week or a 5-day week (reduced hours), tailored to suit the preferences of the successful candidate.

What you’ll bring to the team:

A credible and respected leader, confident in engaging across all levels of the business. You bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Employment Law or related discipline.

• Proven experience leading industrial or employee relations within construction, resources, infrastructure or similar sectors

• Strong track record managing Enterprise Agreement negotiations and bargaining strategies

• Solid understanding of the Fair Work Act, Awards and Enterprise Agreements

• Experience working in unionised environments and engaging with unions confidently and professionally

• The ability to influence, coach and support leaders through complex workforce matters

• Strong problem-solving skills with a balanced, commercially focused approach

• Confidence managing disputes, investigations and escalated ER/IR matters

• Clear communication style with the ability to simplify complex industrial concepts

What you’ll be doing:

Reporting directly to the Director, Human Resources and forming part of the Human Resources Leadership Team, you will shape and lead Freo Group’s Industrial Relations strategy. You will support leaders, manage business risk, and enable operational success. You will:

• Lead and implement Freo’s Industrial Relations strategy and governance framework

• Drive Enterprise Agreement negotiations from planning through to approval

• Manage union engagement and represent Freo in bargaining and industrial discussions

• Provide expert advice on complex IR and ER matters across the organisation

• Support leaders in managing disputes, investigations and workforce changes

• Ensure consistent application of legislation, awards and agreements across sites

• Identify and mitigate industrial risks while supporting business objectives

• Build capability across HR and leadership teams through coaching and guidance

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

At Freo, we believe in Doing Things That Matter, Leading at Every Level and Winning a Better Way. Here’s what that means for you:

• Support & Growth: Opportunities to develop your skills, progress your career within Freo Group, or grow across Marmon’s global network of 120+ companies.

• Meaningful Work: Your work contributes to supporting some of Australia’s largest mining, infrastructure and industrial projects.

• Great Team Culture: A supportive workplace where teamwork matters, wins are celebrated, and people look out for each other.

• Stability & Opportunity: Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, Freo Group offers long-term stability with the opportunity to grow within a global organisation.

• Competitive Salary & Benefits, including:

  • Employee perks and discounts (travel, retail, health & wellbeing)

  • Loyalty bonus for long-term commitment

  • Referral bonus for successful employee referrals

  • Performance and development reviews to support your career growth

Our Commitment to Safety and Inclusion

Safety is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining a safe workplace where everyone looks out for each other.

Freo Group is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity within our workforce. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women in non-traditional roles, and people from culturally diverse communities.

Apply Now

If you’re looking to build a rewarding career with a company that values safety, teamwork and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

We genuinely appreciate the time you invest in applying and will contact suitable candidates as soon as possible.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.