Join Mackay Regional Council as a Human Resources Advisor (People Partner Employee Relations)
Are you passionate about shaping positive workplace culture and driving employee engagement?
Mackay Regional Council is seeking a professional and driven partner with experience resolving complex people issues, enabling fair and consistent processes, and that wants to strengthen organisational capability and culture.
About this opportunity
We are looking for a strong HR professional with experience in a similar role.
As People Partner Employee Relations, you will be responsible for the execution of performance and conduct management matters offering professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement. Partnering cross‑functionally with People Operational Partners you will assist to build a high‑performance culture alongside people leaders that demonstrates the organisational signature traits of care, curiosity, courage, commitment and connection.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high‑level, pragmatic advice on employee relations and performance management matters, ensuring decisions align with Council policies and current legislation.
* Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders—including unions, employee representatives, and legal experts—to resolve issues and mitigate ER risks.
* Develop and deliver educational resources and programs that uplift capability and reduce ER exposure.
* Champion Council values: Safety & Well‑Being, Respect, Collaboration, Service Excellence, Integrity in all interactions.
Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills
* Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field (highly regarded).
* Demonstrated experience in employee relations, industrial relations, or HR advisory roles.
* Proven ability to lead organisational performance and disciplinary investigations, including complex case management.
* Strong knowledge of relevant employment legislation, enterprise bargaining, and best‑practice frameworks.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to develop and deliver educational resources and programs to mitigate employee relations risks.
* Commitment to Council values: Safety & Well‑Being, Respect, Collaboration, Service Excellence, and Integrity.
Why work for Mackay Regional Council?
Mackay Regional Council is a dynamic, progressive and financially sound local government. We have responsibility for $3.5 billion worth of assets and employ almost 1200 dedicated staff in a vibrant, rapidly growing region where sugar, mining, beef, tourism and retail drive the economy. Mackay is located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns and is truly the heart of Queensland, covering 7,622 square kilometres of rainforest, Natural Parks, historic townships, miles of golden beaches and more than 70 tropical islands. The Region boasts a vibrant economy offering an idyllic lifestyle on the Central Queensland coast, from picturesque beaches and nearby island resorts to beautiful rainforests. The Region has a great climate coupled with high‑quality education and health facilities.
Discover more about the Mackay Region:
In addition to the above, we also offer the following benefits
* Base annual salary of $99,911.99
* Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
* Choice of 4 or 5 weeks' annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
* Flexible work arrangements with a 9‑day fortnight roster.
* May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
* Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
* Study and assistance programmes for career development.
* Learning and career development opportunities.
* Employee Assistance Program.
* Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
* Active Social Clubs.
Want to know more about this role?
View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the document attachments.
How to apply
Prepare and submit your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience for this role. If applying for this job via a 3rd‑party job board such as SEEK, LinkedIn etc., you will be redirected to the Mackay Regional Council Careers (eRecruit) website to apply. Follow the prompts to submit your application (the eRecruit Job Application Quick Reference Guide or the eRecruit Job Applicant Guide can assist).
After submitting you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive this, please ensure you have submitted your application and your email address on your account is correct.
Applications Close:
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Having troubles submitting your application? Reach out to one of our friendly Recruitment Officers by phoning 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).
***Important information for applicants:
To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.
Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre‑employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre‑Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.
Location: Wellington Street Admin. Building
Work Type: Permanent Full Time
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