IR/ER Specialist
Date: 30 Jun 2025
Location: Greenbushes, Australia
Company: Talison Lithium Pty Ltd
Industrial Relations / Employee Relations Specialist
Greenbushes Lithium OperationResidential Full Time Position
Lithium plays a critical role in the transition to clean energy, and Talison Lithium is the world’s leading lithium minerals producer with the largest high-grade ore body in the world - join us and be a part of the transition.
Talison Lithium aims to maximise local employment where possible by recruiting people who live in and around our local communities of Greenbushes, Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Nannup, Boyup Brook and Manjimup.
About the Role:
At Talison Lithium, we are building more than a workforce - we are strengthening a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, and care. As we continue to grow and mature our people practices, we are seeking an experienced Industrial Relations / Employee Relations (IR/ER) Specialist to help shape how we support our people, manage complex matters, and align with evolving industrial obligations.
Reporting to the Superintendent – Workplace Relations, the IR/ER Specialist is a trusted advisor to business leaders and employees alike, delivering strategic and values-aligned outcomes across the full spectrum of workplace relations. The role enables fair, compliant, and consistent decision-making in matters of performance, conduct, disputes, and industrial engagement.
This influential position combines strong technical capability in employment and industrial law with a people-first mindset and a deep commitment to cultural alignment. The IR/ER Specialist plays a key role in supporting enterprise bargaining, Fair Work matters, and union engagement - while also guiding leaders through policy application, investigations, and case management with clarity and integrity.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the continued evolution of Talison’s Workplace Relations (WR) function, focused on proactive risk mitigation, increased leader confidence, and a workplace where employees feel heard, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Duties of the Role:
- manage complex WR issues including performance, conduct, grievances, and investigations;
- advise on the interpretation and application of Talison’s Enterprise Agreement and industrial instruments;
- contribute to the development and implementation of enterprise bargaining strategies, supporting negotiations and associated documentation;
- prepare formal responses to union correspondence, dispute notices, and Fair Work proceedings;
- coordinate and escort Right of Entry (ROE) visits, ensuring compliance with internal protocols and external obligations;
- provide expert guidance to leaders on procedural fairness, workplace conduct, and employee engagement approaches;
- develop and review workplace relations resources, including scripts, letters, and leader toolkits;
- contribute to internal policy and standard reviews to ensure legal compliance and cultural alignment;
- coach leaders to manage ER matters with confidence and consistency, supporting early intervention and informed decision-making;
- support Fair Work representation and assist in maintaining audit readiness and documentation integrity;
- monitor case law and legislative changes, providing briefings and recommendations to inform risk mitigation and operational readiness; and
- actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including WR capability building, grievance trend analysis, and internal reporting.
About the Candidate:
- minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an IR/ER advisory role within a complex or unionised environment;
- sound understanding of the Fair Work Act 2009, WHS legislation, and industrial frameworks;
- proven experience managing investigations, performance and conduct matters, and industrial disputes;
- confident facilitation and coaching skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels;
- strong written communication skills, including formal correspondence and Fair Work submissions;
- demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to procedural fairness;
- ability to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative team environment; and
- a mindset of continuous improvement and alignment with Talison’s values of care, integrity, and improvement.
Your Opportunity
- a pivotal role in a growing Workplace Relations function with meaningful organisational impact;
- a collaborative and high-trust environment where your expertise is valued;
- opportunities to influence leadership practices and shape fair and inclusive outcomes;
- professional development and mentoring as part of a future-focused team.
Benefits
• Flexible working environment;
• Income protection insurance;
• Life Insurance for company superannuation employees;
• Attractive parental leave policy;
• Salary sacrifice options for remote area housing, motor vehicles and superannuation; and
• Participation in site performance-based incentive scheme.
About Talison Lithium:
Talison Lithium supports many of the community projects, groups and sporting events our employees are involved in. Our future is within, and as part of, the community.
The Greenbushes Lithium Operation is located in a unique residential setting, near the town of Greenbushes atop the picturesque Darling Scarp. Being active in the broader community is integral to our core business values of safety, transparency and inclusiveness. We regularly carry out site tours for local school and community groups and promote education through Mine Open Days and community events.
Supporting a diverse workforce:
Talison Lithium strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of work experience. Talison Lithium takes pride in its unique location and the excellent work/life balance offering that our employees enjoy. Talison Lithium recognises that we are strengthened by diversity and is committed to providing a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all genders, cultures and identities.
How to Apply:
Please apply for this vacancy by including your Resume and Cover Letter with your application, on our Talison Lithium Careers portal.This portal is accessible via all Talison Lithium Advertisements on Seek / LinkedIn.
We look forward to receiving your application for this vacancy.