Sr Manager, Employee Relations

Could you be our next Sr Manager, Workplace Relations?

Are you ready to influence workplace relations at scale across one of Australia’s most iconic brands? Do you thrive in complex environments where your strategic guidance shapes outcomes for millions of people each day? As the Senior Manager, Workplace Relations, you will serve as a key subject matter expert on all aspects of workplace and industrial relations for McDonald’s Australia. This is a senior, high‑impact role responsible for anticipating organisational risk, advising on complex matters, and leading strategic initiatives that support our commercial objectives while fostering a fair, compliant, and positive workplace.

What can you expect on a day-to-day basis?

• Leading and advising on enterprise‑level collective bargaining in a complex, operationally intensive environment
• Designing and executing industrial relations strategies aligned with business priorities and legislative requirements
• Partnering closely with Legal, People, and Operations teams to provide risk‑aware, practical WR guidance
• Engaging proactively with unions and employee representatives, including responding to disputes and emerging issues
• Identifying and mitigating workforce, litigation, regulatory and reputational risks
• Supporting major and complex workplace investigations
• Driving organisational compliance with Awards, the Fair Work Act and broader regulatory reform
• Leading the development and enhancement of policies and procedures relating to restaurant‑facing employment obligations
• Providing expert advice to the Sr Director, Workplace Relations on trends, risks and system‑wide WR issues

Your keys to success:

• Experience leading collective negotiations and enterprise bargaining
• Senior WR experience in a large, complex, or highly regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of the Fair Work Act, Awards and the industrial relations landscape
• Experience advising leaders on complex WR matters
• Proven leadership capability, ideally including developing teams
• Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder‑management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments
• Experience contributing to policy, governance and WR frameworks
• Strong judgement, integrity and confidentiality

Relish in the Macca’s difference when you join the Golden Arches:

• Competitive Remuneration Package. We offer a total reward package of base salary, health care, long-term incentive share program and a target incentive bonus plan.
• 5 Weeks of Annual Leave. Switch off and recharge or explore your passions outside of work with an additional week of annual leave each calendar year.
• Flexible Work Environment. Our teams have embraced a hybrid working model, balancing working remotely and connecting in the office to support our people and how they best add value.
• Paid Parental Leave. We proudly support growing families with paid parental leave top-up options, helping you take the time you need while maintaining financial stability.
• Birthday & Volunteer Leave. Enjoy a day-off during your birthday month and 3 days annually to volunteer for a registered charity you are passionate about.
• Ongoing Professional Development.  We are committed to developing our people by investing in leadership programs and free access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Macca’s Staff Discount & Retail Discounts. Enjoy discounted Macca’s at any restaurant across Australia and access to hundreds of retail discounts.
• Access To Our 24/7 Wellbeing Partner (Sonder) For You & Your Immediate Family. Using the Sonder app, access free and confidential safety, medical and mental health support via chat or phone with accredited professionals.
• A Fun & Vibrant Culture. Immerse yourself in local and Macca’s only events and experiences from day one of working with us.