Employee & Industrial Relations Adviser

About Woodside Energy

We know great results come from our people feeling valued, getting the support they need to reach their full potential as well as bring their whole self to work. We also recognise that enduring, meaningful relationships with communities are fundamental to maintaining our licence to operate.

Technology and innovation are essential to our long-term sustainability. We are growing our carbon and new energy businesses using technology to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint of our products. We are working to improving energy efficiency, offset emissions, reduce emissions intensity and explore options for lower-carbon energy. Woodside led the development of the LNG industry in Australia and is applying this same pioneering spirit to solving future energy challenges.

Our global headquarters are based in Perth and our state-of-the-art campus reflects the quality of life Perth is known for - with a six Green Star rating, advanced wellness features and flexibility in how you work.

About the Role:

Woodside’s Employee and Industrial Relations (ER/IR) team is accountable for setting the ER/IR strategy across our operating business and growth projects, directly managing these areas across the supply chain (onshore and offshore) and project developments. While the team must maintain a strong technical focus, an ability to proactively assess risks and take steps to avoid or mitigate exposure to ER/IR matters, and translate this into support for broader business objectives aligned to productivity, efficiency and cost is of paramount importance.

The Employee and Industrial Relations Adviser will support our highly experienced team in providing advice, counsel, and strategic direction to our leaders throughout the business as well as HR partners. The role will support a range of business activities from BAU operations through to mega projects and developments.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Head of ER/IR, the role will support our ER/IR Managers across the accountabilities of the ER/IR portfolio.

Day to day activities may include:

• Reviewing and maintaining ER & IR strategies and execution plans
• Assisting with ER/IR management on major projects
• Supporting enterprise bargaining including the development of bargaining mandates, modelling and communications
• Providing employee relations advice and support to HR Business Partners
• Reviewing and approving internal policies and procedures for consistency with employment related legislation
• Coordinating trade union right of entry across our operations, supply chain and major projects
• Reviewing and approving IR management plans by supply chain contractors and monitor performance via established contractual mechanisms.
• Supporting leaders in managing supply chain contractors through ER/IR issues, including bargaining and industrial action
• Assessing and managing IR risks across the entire value chain
• Contributing to policy development and influence industry outcomes via employer associations
• Contributing to the drafting and presentation of board and executive committee papers

Skills & Experience:

We’re looking for applicants who have:

• Extensive practical experience in ER and IR, preferably including offshore exposure
• Degree qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. HR, Law etc) is preferred but not essential)
• Highly developed knowledge of ER and IR theory, principles, policies, practices and employment legislation
• Experience in leading, developing and implementing strategic ER/IR plans to assist business in achieving its goals including an ability to provide accurate and timely advice
• A demonstrated continuous improvement mindset with a desire to align with corporate HR and ER objectives
• Excellent ability to manage and influence key stakeholders
• Ability to think critically and analyse complex issues
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A true passion for ER and IR, keeping abreast of industry trends, maintaining networks in the field and actively contributing to macro-policy development.

The role will provide opportunity to deploy employee relations and industrial relations skills across our direct and indirect workforce.  This could potentially include major projects, maintenance, maritime and the supply chain.  Demonstrated ability to influence, coach and guide internal and external stakeholders is mandatory.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in negotiating in an industrial or commercial environment and guiding and managing contractors via a contractual process.  Further, the successful candidate will have a sound technical knowledge of the workplace relations system and an ability to interpret and apply legal principles.

Candidates with experience in oil and gas, mining, construction, manufacturing, client organisations or employer associations will be highly regarded.

Recognition & Reward:

What you can expect from us:

• Commitment to your ongoing development, including on-the-job opportunities, formal programs, coaching and mentoring
• Industry-leading 18 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carer, and maintenance of superannuation or retirement benefits at the current rate during any period of unpaid parental leave for up to 24 months (plus secondary carer leave entitlements)
• Values led culture
• Active employee community groups for gender equality, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and LGBTI+ staff and allies, and Neurodiversity
• Community volunteering opportunities
• Relocation assistance (if required)
• A competitive remuneration package featuring performance-based incentives and above-industry superannuation contributions

Woodside is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, which is supported by our Values. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a truly diverse and high-performing workforce. 

Diversity encompasses differences in age, nationality, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, intersex status, gender identity or expression, relationship status, disability, neurodiversity, cultural background, thinking styles, experience, family background, including caregiving commitments, and education. Inclusion centres on all employees creating a climate of trust and belonging, where people feel comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

We offer supportive pathways for all employees to grow and develop leadership skills. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those seeking a more flexible working environment, including part-time opportunities

Applications close at 11:59pm AWST on Monday 13th October 2025

Click APPLY to submit your application

Please note Woodside Energy will only accept direct candidate applications. We do not accept applications from Recruitment Agencies.