Employee Relations Specialist

Join Mars Australia the familyowned business behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS SNICKERS EXTRA ECLIPSE PEDIGREE WHISKAS DOLMIO MASTERFOODS and ROYAL CANIN. in a key role across two key sites by providing expert ER advice and guidance.

The Employee Relations role supports line managers and employees to address Employee Relations matters and foster good working relationships with a balance of business and associate advocacy.

A crucial part of this role will be the responsibility for developing the strategy and leading Enterprise Agreement negotiations at our manufacturing sites.

This role forms part of the Australian and New Zealand Associate Relations team (which falls under Mars Global Services) and serves as the point of contact for Associate Relations issues and enquiries within an identified cross segment cross functional client group.

In addition to the customer facing aspects of the role this role also supports the delivery of business critical AR projects and leads the review and development of AR policies and processes as well as supports the team with data and insights across a range of AR metrics.

The role will primarily be responsible for two locations Melbourne & Ballarat. The role requires onsite support at both locations so the successful candidate will need to be located at (or within reasonable commuting distance to) one of these locations and will be required to regularly travel between the two sites.

What are we looking for

• Experience leading Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations including the development of EA strategies coupled with deep technical experience interpreting Award and EA provisions
• Strong communication written and interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals across all levels of the organization;
• Ability to rapidly mobilize and manage internal and external resources to mitigate risks to the Mars business and reputation;
• Strong conflict management skills;
• Ability to prioritize work meet deadlines and working effectively with manager while managing competing projects and/or client needs;
• Practical knowledge in employment and labor relations regulations ideally with five 5 or more years of experience working in Human Resources/Labor Relations with emphasis on managing employee/industrial relations matters within a manufacturing (or similar) environment
• Willingness and ability to undertake domestic travel within Australia including overnight travel is required.

What will be your key responsibilities

• Lead Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations for manufacturing sites including; leading and developing the negotiation strategy planning and executing of the negotiations ensuring the mutual outcomes for the business and the associate population;
• Responsible for managing and resolving Associate Relations queries and issues escalated from the MyP&O call centre or client group;
• Partner with line managers on processes related to separations severance options and transition assistance;
• Partner with legal counsel to represent the business in legal and governmental proceedings.
• Perform Associate Relations investigations prepare findings and recommendations based on policies practices and processes;
• Work with and communicate to unions and consultative bodies where necessary and appropriate;
• Engage with peers and AR Lead regarding complex high risk situations;
• Advise on underperforming associate performance reviews and next steps as well as partnering with and coaching Line Managers to draft performance improvement plan and supporting/coaching on process and conversations with Line Manager;

What can you expect from Mars

• Genuine career progression with a focus on you and your career goals. Bestinclass learning and development support from day one including access to our inhouse Mars University.

• Global health and wellbeing program to support flexibility and worklife balance
• Opportunity to make a difference with our volunteer and ambassador programs
• A culture that offers collaboration leadership and rewards you for the role you play within Mars
• At Mars Global Services be a part of new opportunities and innovations to deliver more best of Mars services and solutions globally

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.