Senior Executive Officer Salary Full-time permanent opportunity to lead Workplace Relations & HR across council and shape a high-performing, people-first team Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements available About City of Port Phillip We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. What’s the role all about We are seeking a highly skilled and collaborative leader to oversee and manage our Workplace Relations & HR function. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead a dynamic team of HR Business Partners to deliver exceptional outcomes across workplace relations, workplace change, and people strategy. This role requires both technical excellence and human-centred leadership. You will bring expertise in workplace relations and HR, a strong track record in change management, and the ability to build trusted relationships with unions, employee groups, and senior leaders. 1 x full-time permanent What you might do Lead the Workplace Relations & HR function within the People, Culture & Safety department, overseeing IR/ER and HR Business Partnership streams. Mentor and empower a team of HR Professionals to deliver consistent, client-focused outcomes. Provide strategic, tactical and operational leadership across HR and workplace relations, being a trusted advisor to the Chief People Officer and Executive Leadership Team. Oversee the management of complex workplace matters including investigations, dispute resolution, organisational change, and enterprise bargaining. Represent Council in key forums such as the Fair Work Commission, VCAT, and VEOHRC. Develop and implement contemporary HR policies and frameworks that foster a positive workplace culture and compliance with legislation. Champion people-first change initiatives with significant organisational impact. Who we are looking for Extensive experience in workplace relations and HR leadership, ideally in public sector or similarly complex organisations. Strong background in ER/IR case management, investigations, and representation in industrial forums. Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing HR teams. A collaborative leader with strong political acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate sensitive workplace issues. Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels. Tertiary qualification in Employment Law, HR, Industrial Relations or equivalent experience. Our work environment We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community. Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first. What’s in it for you We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260 gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family! Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze! Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only) Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology Security Requirements and Professional Obligations Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments. Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide: Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences, Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and Sufficient proof of their identity. Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider. Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation). So, what’s next? Hit that APPLY button now! Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this! Please submit; Resume – latest and detailed version Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD). Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered. For further information please contact Yass Mustafa, Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor via email on yass.mustafa@portphillip.vic.gov.au or mobile on 0468 576 806 Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 14 September 2025 The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA community and candidates with a disability. If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au PD Head of Workplace Relations & HR August 2025.pdf