Industrial Relations Manager

• Be part of a global business with a supportive HR team and engaging leadership
• Condensed work week with flexible hours and Friday finishes at midday
• Tackle complex, meaningful IR work with room to grow your career

Peabody is a leading global coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. The company offers significant scale, high-quality assets, and diversity in geography and products. Peabody is guided by seven core values: safety, customer focus, leadership, people, excellence, integrity and sustainability.

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Industrial Relations Manager to join our Australian HR Operations team, based in Brisbane. Reporting to the HR Director AU Operations, this pivotal role leads Peabody’s industrial relations strategy across our Australian mining operations.

You will work closely with site leadership teams and HR professionals to manage complex industrial matters in a heavily unionised and highly regulated environment. Your ability to foster constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives will be key to ensuring operational continuity, workforce stability, and compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 and enterprise agreements.

This role is Brisbane based, with regular travel to our operational assets across Queensland and New South Wales.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of Peabody’s industrial relations strategy to support business objectives and minimise operational disruption.
• Provide expert, timely advice on enterprise agreements, awards, and employee relations matters to site leaders and HR teams.
• Drive enterprise bargaining processes from planning and negotiation through to Fair Work Commission approval and implementation.
• Represent Peabody in industrial tribunals, including the Fair Work Commission, in matters of conciliation, arbitration, and dispute resolution.
• Manage complex industrial disputes, grievances, and disciplinary matters with a focus on procedural fairness and risk mitigation.
• Monitor and interpret industrial legislation and case law developments relevant to the mining sector.
• Partner with leaders on organisational change initiatives, including restructures and workforce transitions, ensuring compliant and respectful engagement.
• Build internal capability through coaching and training of HR Business Partners and operational leaders on IR/ER matters.

The lifestyle:

This position is offered on a Monday to Friday basis, working from our Fortitude Valley office with working from home options. Peabody offers flexible start / finish times and a ‘redistributed working week’ giving employees flexibility to finish at noon on Fridays.

About You:

You are a confident and credible IR professional with a strong background in managing industrial relations in unionised, complex environments, deally within the mining or heavy industry sectors.

• Tertiary qualifications in Law, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in enterprise bargaining, dispute resolution, and industrial advocacy.
• Deep knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009, relevant awards, and enterprise agreements.
• A proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and union stakeholders.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem solving skills.
• A proactive, strategic mindset with a commitment to compliance, fairness, and operational excellence

Why join us?

• Work on diverse, high value matters that have a tangible impact on the business.
• Competitive salary package with excellent short term incentive plan.
• Unlock more than 2,000 health and wellness perks with WHEREFIT
• Contemporary office in Fortitude Valley, complemented by flexible work options.
• Access tax benefits with our novated vehicle leasing program
• Exclusive discounts on private health insurance.

About Peabody:

Peabody is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy & steel. We employ approximately 5,500 people across our operations in the United States & Australia, serving customers in 26 countries.

Our commitment to sustainability underpins everything we do and shapes our strategy for the future.

We offer an inclusive work environment that engages, recognises, and develops our employees. We strive to create a safe and healthy work culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect.

Take the first step toward a rewarding career working with us at: Peabody Jobs