MY CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
Head of Industrial Relations – $270k package
Partnering with the CPO we were tasked with sourcing the best available person to fill the position of Head of Industrial Relations (IR). Their primary goal was to work through a new enterprise agreement with militant unions such as the TWU and Maritime union.

The Challenge
Navigating one of the most heavily unionised environments with deep-rooted legacies presented a distinct industrial relations challenge, characterised by highly militant unions. Success demanded a blend of specific industry experience, robust lobbying connections, the appetite for negotiation, and the skill to drive a significant Enterprise Agreement (EA) over an 18-month period with minimal business disruption.
The Solution
After comprehensive discussions regarding reporting structure, current skill gaps, and strategic alignment, we concluded that a targeted search approach was ideal. Considering the role’s sensitivity, we chose not to publicly advertise. Collaborating closely with the Chief People Officer (CPO) and CEO, we conducted a thorough market analysis to pinpoint potential candidates. Subsequently, we went through an extensive process to understand each candidate’s experience inline with the key criteria identified.
The Results
We narrowed our selection down to three candidates who fulfilled both the technical requirements and the desired behavioral traits for the position. The organisation faced a challenging decision due to the strength of the shortlist. Ultimately, the chosen candidate excelled in renegotiating the crucial Enterprise Agreement (EA), achieving success without any strikes and with minimal disruption to operations—a significant accomplishment. Additionally, they restructured their team, enhancing the effectiveness of the organisation’s Industrial Relations (IR) support function.
Testimonial
From our candidate;
‘Build a strong relationship with an Executive Recruiter that has your back, one that is a career coach, not a tick and flick. They’re out there- Bianca and Emma – you guys rock.’
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