Lead strategic initiatives for a values-driven organisation as Associate Director, Workplace Relations and Business Partnering.
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced leader to fill a high-impact role in our People and Culture department. As Associate Director, Workplace Relations and Business Partnering, you will be responsible for leading high-performing teams, providing strategic advice to executive leaders, and driving enterprise-wide initiatives. You will shape the organisation's approach to complex employment matters, compliance, and organisational change.
Your primary focus will be on leading and developing two highly skilled teams to deliver collaborative and forward-thinking solutions across the organisation. You will lead the development and implementation of our workplace relations strategy, including enterprise bargaining, performance management, and compliance with employment legislation.
You will also advise and support senior stakeholders on workforce planning, organisational change, complex case management, and reform. Additionally, you will represent the organisation in external industrial forums and negotiations, and lead collaborative relationships with union stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement a workplace relations strategy that aligns with the organisation's goals and objectives
* Lead and develop high-performing teams to deliver strategic and operational advice to senior leaders
* Provide expert advice on employment legislation, workplace relations, and strategic HR partnering
* Represent the organisation in external industrial forums and negotiations
* Maintain a strong understanding of the Australian employment and industrial relations legislative framework
Required Skills and Qualifications:
To be successful in this role, you will need:
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, supported by extensive experience in senior HR leadership roles
* Strong knowledge of contemporary human resource management and workplace relations practices
* Proven success in leading and developing high-performing teams within complex or unionised environments
* Demonstrated ability to provide strategic and operational advice to senior leaders
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills
* A working knowledge of the higher education sector (desirable) or experience within similarly regulated or complex industries
Benefits:
This is a unique opportunity to lead with impact in a bargaining year, playing a pivotal role in enterprise bargaining negotiations and broader workforce transformation. The position offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to a growing, values-led organisation.
As a senior leader in our People and Culture department, you will have the opportunity to inspire, coach, and empower your teams to deliver impactful solutions across the organisation.
Others:
Please note that this is a 12-month parental leave cover, concluding in October 2026.