Workplace Relations Specialist

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time. Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear is dedicated to helping people with moderate to profound hearing loss experience a world full of sound. We aim to transform the way people understand and treat hearing loss and innovate to connect people with future technologies. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping more people to experience a lifetime of hearing. We're looking for an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to join our Global People & Culture Service & Experience team and play a key role in strengthening workplace governance, wage compliance and employment practices across Cochlear's Australian operations. Reporting into the Workplace Governance & Specialist Advice Team, you'll provide expert advice on Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, employment legislation and workplace relations matters. You'll lead wage compliance initiatives, support governance programs, identify compliance risks and partner with leaders to ensure Cochlear maintains fair, compliant and effective workplace practices. The role requires expertise in wage compliance, employment legislation, workplace investigations and governance frameworks Please note, this is a fixed term contract until July 2027. What You'll Be Doing Championing best practice ER/IR initiatives across Cochlear’s Australian operations Interpret and advise on relevant Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreement and applicable State & Federal legislation. Support wage and entitlement projects such as providing Award interpretation and analysing data to ensure compliance with industrial instruments. Conduct wage analyses including examining timesheet data, penalty rates, allowances, and other Award entitlements. Prepare compliance risk assessments through data examination within compliance frameworks and methodologies. Review and suggest process and system improvements to ensure ongoing compliance, including but not limited to record keeping, wage reviews and salary reconciliation, employment contracts, time and attendance rules, and visa management. Support the implementation of amendments in IR reform. Take leadership of proactive ER/IR projects Support complex case management Developing robust relationships with key internal stakeholders What You'll Bring We're looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder management skills and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach. Essential Experience Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, Modern Awards and employment relations frameworks Demonstrated experience in wage compliance, award interpretation and workplace governance Proven capability managing complex workplace investigations and sensitive employee relations matters Experience partnering with unions, employee representatives and workplace delegates Sound judgement, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence with confidence Experience working within a contemporary People & Culture function Highly Regarded Exposure to enterprise bargaining and implementation activities Experience working within matrixed organisations and partnering across HR Centres of Excellence Process improvement, systems transformation or governance experience If you feel that you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role and take on new challenges to build your career with Cochlear, please start your application by clicking the apply button below. #CochlearCareers How we recognise your contribution At Cochlear we value and welcome the unique contributions, perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and aim to build a culture that celebrates and leverages these differences, creating a sense of belonging and enabling our people to realise their full potential. Through our internal programs and employee benefits, we aim to create an environment where our people will feel value and supported. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or simply finding an environment which enables you to thrive whilst balancing family or personal life commitments, then we have several programs in place to support you. For more information about Life at Cochlear, visit