The Adelaide Hills Council is a magnificent place to live, work and visit. The environmental, residential, primary production and natural qualities of the district are renowned and contribute to the Adelaide Hills being \"a special place\", and one of Australia's most loved areas. Adelaide Hills Council is committed to building the community through leadership, community involvement and commitment to service.
Human Resources Business Partner
Full-time position, part-time arrangements will be considered for the right candidate
The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) operates as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to leaders across designated directorates, providing expert people and industrial relations advice that supports organisational performance and workforce capability.
This role forms part of the rebuilding and evolution of the People & Culture function, as Council continues to strengthen contemporary workforce practices and leadership capability across the organisation. Partnering closely with Directors and Managers, the HRBP proactively addresses workforce challenges and provides high-level advice across the employee lifecycle including employee relations, industrial relations, workforce planning, organisational change and leadership development.
This is a true generalist HR Business Partner role where no 2 days are the same. The HRBP will operate across the full spectrum of People & Culture activities, providing advice and support in areas including industrial relations, employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, learning and development and organisational change. The role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic and complex environment.
Operating with a high degree of professional autonomy, the HRBP leads complex workforce initiatives, manages sensitive employee matters and supports enterprise bargaining and workforce consultation processes. The role contributes to building a high-performing, safe and engaged workforce aligned with Council's strategic priorities and values.
* Reporting to the Manager People & Culture, your key responsibilities will include:
* Partner with Directors and senior leaders to provide strategic workforce advice that supports the delivery of organisational and directorate objectives.
* Provide expert advice across the employee lifecycle including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, industrial relations, workforce planning and organisational development.
* Lead and manage complex employee relations matters including workplace investigations, grievances, disciplinary processes and performance management.
* Provide high-level advice on the interpretation and application of industrial instruments, enterprise agreements, legislation, policies and procedures.
* Lead enterprise bargaining processes including preparation, negotiations, consultation, implementation and interpretation of enterprise agreements.
* Facilitate and coordinate Consultative Committee meetings, supporting effective workforce consultation and engagement between Council, employees and unions.
* Support organisational change initiatives including restructures, workforce transitions and organisational design activities.
* Develop consultation documentation and support leaders through workforce consultation processes in accordance with industrial obligations.
* Identify workforce risks and provide proactive advice to mitigate organisational, legal and reputational risk.
* Partner with leaders to build leadership capability and strengthen people management practices across the organisation.
* Lead or contribute to strategic workforce projects and People & Culture initiatives that enhance organisational capability, culture and performance.
* Analyse workforce data, trends and organisational insights to inform workforce planning and organisational decision-making.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders including leaders, employees, unions and external advisors.
* Prepare reports, briefings and documentation to support leadership decision-making and governance requirements.
* Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture aligned with Council's values and strategic priorities.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have:
* Demonstrated experience operating as a senior HR practitioner or HR Business Partner within a complex organisational environment.
* Extensive knowledge and practical experience in employee relations and industrial relations, including interpretation and application of enterprise agreements, awards and employment legislation.
* Demonstrated experience managing complex and sensitive employee relations matters including investigations, grievances, disciplinary processes and performance management.
* Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to enterprise bargaining processes, workforce consultation and engagement with unions and employee representatives.
* Demonstrated experience facilitating consultative committees or formal workforce consultation processes within a unionised environment.
* Experience supporting organisational change initiatives including restructures, workforce transitions and organisational design activities.
* Demonstrated ability to partner with senior leaders to provide strategic workforce advice and practical people management solutions.
* Experience leading or contributing to strategic People & Culture initiatives, workforce projects or organisational development programs.
* Demonstrated ability to analyse workforce data, trends and insights to inform workforce planning and organisational decision-making.
* Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, policies, procedures and reports for senior leaders.
About our Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
* Free income protection insurance for personal illnesses or injuries.
* A health and wellbeing program offering flu vaccinations, skin checks, health seminars and more.
* Free access to counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program.
How to Apply
Applications must address the selection criteria in the position description and state the reference number 586.
Please apply by 5:00pm 30 March 2026 via SEEK.
Confidential enquiries are welcome to Donna Boal, Manager People & Culture (08) 8375 7***.