Industrial Relations Lead

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Project Overview:

Pluto Train 2 is the expansion of a second LNG train at the existing Pluto LNG onshore facility near Karratha in Western Australia run by Woodside Energy. Pluto Train 2 will process Scarborough gas and have an LNG capacity of ~5 million tonnes per annum. As part of the construction of Pluto Train 2, additional domestic gas infrastructure will be installed to increase capacity to ~225 Terajoules per day. Woodside Energy has selected Bechtel to deliver the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning scope of work for Pluto Train 2. Woodside Energy is Australia's leading natural gas producer, and Bechtel is excited to be working with this key customer to help meet the increasing global demand for LNG as a transitional energy source.

Job Summary:

As Industrial Relations Lead, you are responsible for leading and managing all employee and industrial relations activities on the construction project. This includes the oversight and resolution of complex employee relations matters, leading formal investigations, and managing disputes including industrial action, intervention, and mitigation.

You will provide authoritative interpretation and application of the Project Enterprise Agreement, employment contracts, company policies and procedures, and applicable employment and industrial relations legislation. You will also lead engagement with unions and employee representatives, ensuring compliance while maintaining constructive, professional relationships.

Through strong judgement, early intervention, and decisive action, you will facilitate positive employee and industrial relations outcomes, mitigate workforce risk, and minimise issues that could otherwise result in industrial disruption, productivity impacts, or construction schedule delays.

Major Responsibilities:

• Interpret, administer, and enforce enterprise agreements, employment contracts, and project work rules, ensuring consistent and compliant application across the project workforce. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment and industrial relations legislation and emerging legal developments.
• Lead and manage employee relations investigations, including misconduct, performance, behavioural, and industrial matters, ensuring procedural fairness, timely outcomes, and defensible decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with the jobsite Safety function to support the field implementation of Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH) programs as they relate to craft personnel, reinforcing behavioural expectations and compliance standards.
• Partner with subcontractor representatives and project leadership to ensure labour agreements are interpreted correctly and work rules are applied consistently and uniformly across direct-hire and subcontracted workforces.
• Proactively analyse actual and emerging labour risks, determine and implement corrective actions, and lead preventative strategies to avoid work stoppages, industrial disputes, or schedule impacts.
• Develop and implement craft and workforce process improvement initiatives at the jobsite level to strengthen industrial stability, productivity, and workforce engagement.
• Analyse and advise on jurisdictional work assignments, drawing on local precedents, industry practices, and contractual obligations to resolve disputes and prevent escalation.
• Conduct, or provide expert guidance in conducting, informal and formal grievance hearings in accordance with applicable enterprise agreement and union procedures.
• Represent the project in union interactions and industrial discussions, supporting constructive engagement while protecting the project’s commercial, safety, and schedule objectives.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as designated, consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 8 -10  years of relevant experience or 12-14 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Good analytical and strategic planning skills: able to prioritize, pivot and respond to conflicting priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office software.
• Previous employment relationships, employee or industrial relations, leadership skills.
• HSE legislative knowledge will also be highly regarded.

Working Rights in Australia without employer sponsorship are required.

We are a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer & commit to respond to every applicant.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

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