Head of Employee Relations

QinetiQ is a global technology and engineering company that exists to protect lives and secure the future. With more than 8000 employees worldwide - including 800 here in Australia - we deliver mission-critical services and systems to Defence national security and essential industry.

Following a strategic redesign weve sharpened our focus and are investing in the future - starting with the people who will help shape it. This includes new roles within our Business Development (Growth) Function.

If youre driven by purpose passionate about solving complex problems and ready to make a real impact - theres never been a better time to join us.

With a presence in the United Kingdom United States Australia Canada and Germany we bring global expertise to local challenges helping build Australias sovereign industrial capability for the future.

As our new Lead People Partner Employee Relations (Head of Employee Relations) youll lead our employee relations strategy and execution focused on fostering positive working relationships between QinetiQ and its people.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer you will provide strategic advice and help shape how we engage with our workforce. Drawing upon enhanced communication and consultation skills you will create high quality relationships with external stakeholders including unions and external regulatory bodies and operate with the goal of maintaining positive engagement with our employees.

You will collaborate with both the internal People function and Australian leadership team to proactivity develop workforce labour negotiations employment compliance and complex employment matters and in doing so draw upon your own highly developed technical skills and commercial acumen to provide whole of business solutions.

Importantly this role will oversee the development and improvement of our employment frameworks with a focus on compliance and managing regulatory changes including in respect of collective bargaining and union relationships.

In terms of location we are flexible to consider talented people in Adelaide Canberra or Melbourne.

So what will it take This unique opportunity calls for:

• Expertise in the application of labour and employee relations practice with experience collaborating across complex businesses or multi-site operations with a mix of employment types
• Experience negotiating enterprise agreements and managing union relationships
• Well-developed understanding of legislative requirements NES Modern Awards workers compensation federal and state employment laws and other HR compliance obligations across national Australian operations
• Experience undertaking substantial change management activities including restructures and business transformation
• Strong interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication consultation skills presentation and influence
• High level of maturity self-confidence with an ability to partner with stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills decision making capabilities agility and responsiveness
• Strong technical capability theoretical knowledge application to grasp new concepts and adapt practise to new jurisdictions

Whilst not essential tertiary level qualifications in Law or Industrial Relations or a relevant discipline will be highly regarded.

Due to the nature of our business applicants must also be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance.

Whilst applications must be made online confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach Talent Acquisition Director (). A position description is available upon request.

Closing date for applications is Monday 11th August 2025.

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Looking for an Employer with Benefits

At QinetiQ our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. Youll share in the companys success and be rewarded for your own. Well invest in your development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

• Access to LinkedIn Learning and professional development
• Flexible work
• Purchased leave program & loyalty leave

• Up to 18weeks paid parental leave

• Annual incentive scheme
• Complimentary salary continuance insurance
• Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
• Relaxed dress code

As the defence industry in Australia grows it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan we also encourage applications from women veterans and First Nations people.

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening including but not limited to identity verification and police checks for all preferred candidates.