Ilana Jewson
Baldivis,Australia
Summary
Accomplished HR IR leader with a strong background in industrial relations and strategic and complex workforce management. Successfully implemented employee engagement programs that improved satisfaction levels, while managing complex grievance and dispute resolutions. Expertise in advising senior leadership on best practices to align HR strategies with business objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Employee Relations Manager
OSM Australia Pty Ltd
10.2023 - Current
- Advised leadership on employee relations best practices and legal compliance.
- Led employee grievance investigations and resolution processes, ensuring fair outcomes and compliance with policies.
- Mediated conflict and employment issues both internal and escalated disputes in the FWC.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Provided guidance on employee relations issues such as performance management, disciplinary action, grievances to the wider team.
- Participated in unemployment hearings to ensure proper handling of individual cases.
- Stayed abreast of unemployment appeals and changes in personnel policies, procedures and regulations.
- Conferred with management to develop and implement personnel policies or procedures.
- Collaborated with management to enhance workplace culture and communication.
- Developed and implemented employee engagement initiatives and programs.
- Analysed survey feedback to pinpoint and address opportunities for improving working conditions and increasing job satisfaction.
- Facilitated regular union consultative committee meetings to develop actionable plans aimed at enhancing workplace relationships both with unions and the workforce.
- Interpreted employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies and procedures for managers and employees.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure consistency in HR practices across the organization.
- Consulted with legal counsel regarding disputes and potential and actual litigation.
- Recruited and screened candidates for management and specialty positions.
- Assisted to negotiate collective bargaining agreements with labor unions.
- Maintained accurate records of all employee relation activities including complaint investigations, counseling meetings.
General Manager - HR & Operations
Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd
08.2022 - Current
- Manage the onboarding, compliance and systems function of the labour hire business including managing a team of 4.
- Provides strategic direction. Leads, supports, and manages the HR/IR function across the following areas: Employee / industrial relations and management of high-end payroll, compliance, and enterprise agreement queries.
- Oversee the recruiting and staffing functions for Workforce Solutions and Workforce Recruitment and provide strategies to improve retention and increase recruitment levels for hosts.
- Manage the operations of the labour hire business.
- Managed worker and host compliance with trading licenses.
- Account management for 30 clients across Australia (around 2000 workers on the books) – escalation of issues/monthly reporting of accounts, client relationships.
- Conducted monthly face-to-face meetings with local clients and phone meetings with eastern states clientele, tracking communications and potential new deals in HubSpot system.
- Executed business development initiatives to expand host base in security and new industries through extensive network and word of mouth.
- Director level weekly reporting to Director on onboarding, compliance, worker hours, HR/IR.
- Implemented performance review program for internal corporate staff, enhancing training and development activities.
- Full investigation management of formal disputes and complaints for site based workers and corporate staff.
Managing Director / Principal Employee Relations Business Partner
Niche HR Consulting
02.2016 - 03.2026
- Compilation of legislative sound employment agreements.
- Facilitated Indigenous traineeship program to increase skills and employment opportunities for participants.
- Developed comprehensive vessel training manual to enhance operational consistency.
- Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures, improving organizational efficiency and compliance.
- Front to back-end recruitment of key white and blue collar roles and up-keep of internal database.
- Client liaison for medicals and any other training needs for Project work.
- Advise management in designing and maintaining the reporting relationships, organizational structure, values, and cultural norms that best support their business strategy and objectives.
- Reviewed new business opportunities to identify potential growth areas.
- Compiled and entered tender submissions to secure project bids.
- Development Marketing products i.e., Company Introduction Brochure to present to clients.
- Managed workers' compensation claims and developed return-to-work strategies.
- Ensuring businesses are up to date with contemporary HR practices to ensure business is up to industry standard including compilation of key P&P’s.
- Compiled Quality Manual to prepare for ISO:9001 certification compliance.
- Main point of contact for all HR and IR issues and interpretation of the relevant Enterprise Agreements and various modern industry awards.
- Resolved employee disputes and addressed union grievances, fostering workplace harmony and collaboration.
Director – People and Culture
Braemar Presbyterian Care
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Establish, guide, and manage a strategic HR/IR function including a team of four Advisors.
- Provides strategic direction. Leads, supports, and enables the HR/IR function across the following areas: Employee / industrial relations and dealings with the nurse’s unions including management of Right of Entries.
- Compensation and benefits management/manage enterprise agreement terms and conditions and ensure Aged and health services related award conditions and amendments are being met.
- Organisation training and development – Full Implementation of CompilLearn, a new online training platform in July 2022 and related roll out.
- Compilation of extensive Staff Training and Development Plan and training calendar for the following three months.
- Performance reviews and investigation management of formal disputes and complaints.
- Organisational structure reviews with the CEO in line with organisational strategy, government funding and operational requirements and quality care for the residents.
- Oversee the recruiting and staffing functions and provide strategies to improve retention and increase recruitment levels within a tough industry environment.
- Director level reporting to CEO on people and culture indicators, governance, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Chair monthly WHS meetings and manage the WHS representatives, workplace inspections, incident and injury management and investigations to closeout.
- HR File auditing to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Management of internal HR document reviews annually.
- Compilation of Monthly People and Culture Bulletin sent out to staff with key information and other staff morale strategies.
Senior People & Culture Business Partner
Engage Marine Pty Ltd
02.2018 - 07.2020
- Establish, guide, and manage a strategic and professional HR/IR function.
- Provides strategic direction. Leads, supports, and enables the HR/IR function across the following areas: employee / industrial relations, compensation and benefits administration, organization development, performance management and improvement systems, recruiting and staffing, employee orientation, development, and training, employment and compliance to regulatory concerns, policy development and documentation, company employee communication, employee safety, welfare, wellness, and health; and employee services and counselling.
- Ensure that all HR strategies are aligned with overall business strategy and delivered in an effective fit for purpose manner.
- Build relationships to advise, guide and executive, managers and employees in all aspects of day-to-day HR policy and practice; Anticipate, respond to, and resolve employee and HR/IR management issues in a timely manner.
- Provide insights about the likely future changes in employee and organisational behaviour to assist in the development of the business’ s strategy and business plans.
- Provide insights into possible changes and application of FWC and any related legislation that may impact on company operations.
- Advise the Executive Committee in designing and maintaining the reporting relationships, organisational structure, values, and cultural norms that best support business strategy and objectives.
- Support business operations – Contribute HR data (metrics) and judgment to guide the business’s day-to-day workflow and decisions.
- Ensure sound understanding of the concepts, tools, processes, and authorities that support remuneration, recognition and reward, conditions of employment, regional mobility, and contracts of employment – for employees and for different employment relationships (contractors / fixed term etc.).
- Manage the implementation of the annual salary review process.
Senior Advisor - HR and Crewing (Fixed term assignment)
Go Marine Group Pty Ltd
03.2017 - 01.2018
- Certification verification for vessel flag state compliance.
- Data entry and upload of qualifications, licences, and medicals to HRIS System.
- Front to back end blue collar recruitment and mobilisation of offshore roles to vessels around Australia and overseas including Asia and Africa.
- Providing strategic HR support and solutions to senior management, clients, and crews.
- Organisation of crew rostering and all travel requirements.
- On call 24/7 for all HR and crewing matters.
- Payroll timesheet entry and reporting for payroll to be processed.
- Data entry of invoices relating to crew travel into the HRIS management System for cost capturing.
- Providing full crew succession planning for all Australian vessels.
- Assist the HR Generalist with Injury Management logistics and return to work solutions.
- Preparation of training matrices and training needs analysis for blue collar workers.
- Assisting the General Manager Shared Services with Industrial Relations disputes and grievances and undertaking investigations and extensive HR reporting.
Senior Advisor – HR and Crewing
Farstad Shipping (Indian Pacific) Pty Ltd
12.2016 - 01.2017
- Critical certification checks for vessel flag state compliance.
- Efficient use of HRIS and uploading of key data.
- Front to back-end crew recruitment and mobilisation to Offshore vessels around Australia.
- Providing generalist crewing and HR support services and solutions to key stakeholders.
- Management of pre-screening checks including medicals and D&A screens.
- Management of crew rostering and travel requirements.
- HR liaison with key stakeholders.
- Inputting and checking all crew payroll data via ADP Payforce System.
- Maintenance of good working relationships with the Maritime Unions and delegates on various queries.
- Assist the Health Manager with Injury Management logistics and return to work strategy and solutions.
Human Resources & Industrial Relations Manager
Miclyn Express Offshore (Australia) Pty Ltd
03.2013 - 06.2016
- Managed the restructure of the Australasia business unit resulting in vastly reduced operating costs in 2015.
- Successful tender proposals being awarded to the business for exciting new Project work.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with all clients, crews, and unions to provide ongoing successful outcomes for various key Australian Projects.
- Successful management of several ‘high-end’ workers compensation claims resulting in shorter LTI and a healthy return to workforce.
- Provide executive HR and IR advice and coaching to senior management and field employees and ensure IR compliance across all business units.
- IR company representative for Industrial instrument interpretations, application and advice and act in the Fair Work Commission as required.
- Project Management – Manage and review current HR P&P’s and ensure alignment with project or client requirements.
- Manage recruitment, inductions and training of high-volume blue-collar roles relating to vessel project operations and client requirements.
- Micro-manage project planning, execution, and control in relation to the department.
- Business Development – Review new business opportunities regarding HR, training, and crewing matters.
- Manage tender compilation and submission regarding HR and IR P&P’s and strategies for the business unit and strive for continuous improvement.
- Management of key shore-based role recruitment in conjunction with departmental managers.
- Contribute to strategic and long-term planning initiatives.
- Manage succession planning and development of all staff and crews.
- Key Point of Contact for management if all union queries for all stakeholders.
- Providing technical and best practice HR and IR advice to the project supervisors, clients and leadership team as required.
- Coordinating and managing grievances, investigations, dispute resolutions and performance management.
- Ability to support change in a complex and fast-moving environment - management of several downsizing projects and restructures of the business due to industry downturn.
- Sound understanding of Australian employment legislation and enterprise agreements.
- A collaborative, flexible, open-door, and positive approach to working with various stakeholders.
- Budget planning and forecasting and compiling budgets for the new FY including training and upskilling expenditure.
- Drive compliance and cultural change including various employee engagement initiatives such as company newsletter, managing various company fundraisers and the employee incentive program for outstanding performance.
- Extensive monthly Business Unit and Departmental KPI Reporting to key stakeholders.
- Compilation and management of Human Resources Manual and Policies and Procedures in line with ever changing fast paced environment and legislation.
- Internal injury Management / workers compensation case manager including efficient knowledge of WC legislation.
- Compiling in depth return to work plans together with providers and medical professionals.
- Implementing and management of specific an on the job mentoring strategies for all staff.
- Formerly Samson Maritime Pty Ltd
Human Resources and Industrial Relations Advisor
Miclyn Express Offshore (Australia) Pty Ltd
04.2010 - 03.2013
- Front to back-end Recruitment.
- Crew mobilisation to Offshore, Inshore & Dredging Vessels to Projects including Foreign Flag compliances and pre-joining checks.
- Ongoing training & retention of onshore staff and vessel crews.
- Internal injury Management / workers compensation assistant including efficient knowledge of legislation covering seafarer sickness and injury and compiling in depth return to work plans together with providers and medical professionals.
- Liaising with insurers and rehabilitation providers and medical professionals on workers compensation claims.
- Providing generalist HR and IR support and solutions to senior management, clients, and crews.
- Assisting with the implementation of company strategies to move forward into industry best practice as the company moved through period of rapid growth.
- Management of crew medicals, D&A screens, inductions & training courses.
- Organisation of crew rostering and all travel to and from home ports to work sites and vessels.
- Development of P&P’s and Human Resource Manual.
- Assisting the HR Manager with IR matters including disputes, grievances and union discussions and Enterprise Agreement negotiations.
- Maintenance of good working relationships with the Maritime Unions.
- Management of performance appraisal process.
- Conduct formal Investigations & disciplinary action as required.
Human Resources & Industrial Relations Advisor (former HR Graduate Program)
Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd
03.2008 - 02.2010
- Providing generalist HR support services to senior management and floor workers on manufacturing sites / 3 shift breakdown.
- Assisting the HSE Manager on OHS support solutions and training and Internal injury Management / workers compensation including sound working knowledge of WC legislation.
- Liaising with the HSE and return to work coordinators on return-to-work strategy and planning.
- Working with HRIS - Data analysis & KPI reporting.
- Recruitment from position requisition approval to offering of contracts and managing of inductions and training.
- Assist with the development & enforcement of key company P&P’s.
- Drafting of detailed correspondence – i.e., termination letters, EEO respondent reports, unfair dismissal respondent reports and file notes.
- Assisting the HR Manager in the provision of IR services.
- Attending and chairing consultative committee meetings and minute taking and monitoring task lists.
- Maintenance of good relationships with union officials.
- Assist with employee disputes resolution.
- Coordinating and assisting with employee performance reviews.
- Determining employee training and development matrix.
- Godfrey Hirst has a long history with over 140 years Australian manufacturing experience producing the highest quality broadloom carpets for Australian and global markets.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Human Resources Management
La Trobe University
Victoria01-2007
Skills
- Grievance resolution
- Team Leadership
- Negotiation skills
- Stakeholder management
- Recruitment and selection
- HR analytics
- Workplace investigations
- Empathy building
- Enterprise agreements
- Employee engagement
- Policy development
- IR compliance
- Change Management
- Problem Solving
- High Cultural Acumen
Professional Referees
- Robert Cullen, Managing Director, Offshore Hydraulic Services (Consulting), +61 (0)416 598 397
- Mike Hansen, Director, Jetwave Marine Services, +61 (0)423 954 679
- Shaun Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, Engage Marine, +61 (0)419 440 719
- Paul Fitzpatrick, CEO, Braemar Presbyterian Care, +61 (0)436 306 883
- Chloe Davis, GM Industrial Relations, OSM Australia Pty Ltd - TBC Please discuss first
- To be confirmed please discuss prior
Qualifications And Professional Development
- Bachelor of Business Management with a Major in Human Resources Management.
- Auditing Maritime Safety Management Systems – Ferriby Marine.
- Current Western Australian Recreational Skippers Ticket and ‘C’ Class Manual Drivers Licence.
- Cert III in Fitness Instruction and Certificate IV in Personal Training.
- Accredited Integrity and Values Leadership Profiling System User.
- Internal SAP, COMPLISPACE, RISKMAN, MEX, MYOB, CONCUR, HELM and Advanced MS Excel and MS Word software suites.
- Fire Warden – Operate as a Part of Emergency Control.
Timeline
Employee Relations Manager
OSM Australia Pty Ltd
10.2023 - Current
General Manager - HR & Operations
Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd
08.2022 - Current
Director – People and Culture
Braemar Presbyterian Care
01.2022 - 07.2022
Senior People & Culture Business Partner
Engage Marine Pty Ltd
02.2018 - 07.2020
Senior Advisor - HR and Crewing (Fixed term assignment)
Go Marine Group Pty Ltd
03.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Advisor – HR and Crewing
Farstad Shipping (Indian Pacific) Pty Ltd
12.2016 - 01.2017
Managing Director / Principal Employee Relations Business Partner
Niche HR Consulting
02.2016 - 03.2026
Human Resources & Industrial Relations Manager
Miclyn Express Offshore (Australia) Pty Ltd
03.2013 - 06.2016
Human Resources and Industrial Relations Advisor
Miclyn Express Offshore (Australia) Pty Ltd
04.2010 - 03.2013
Human Resources & Industrial Relations Advisor (former HR Graduate Program)
Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd
03.2008 - 02.2010
Bachelor of Business - Human Resources Management
La Trobe University