Fixed Term, Full Time | 12-month contract until April 2027
Professional Employee Level 10
Annual salary $133,156 – $147,782 pa + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Casuarina Campus | Larrakia Country
Provide strategic leadership to CDU's industrial relations function, driving enterprise bargaining, compliance, and high-risk case management across a dynamic Top End university.
About the Position
Are you an experienced IR/ER leader ready to shape CDU's employee relations strategy? We're seeking a strategic thinker to lead our industrial relations function through enterprise bargaining, complex investigations, performance management, and legislative compliance.
As the Senior Manager of Employee/Industrial Relations, you will:
o Lead enterprise bargaining and union engagement strategy
o Oversee conduct investigations, performance management, and grievance processes
o Manage workers compensation cases and high-risk employment matters
o Provide executive-level advice on Fair Work Act compliance and lead FWC proceedings
o Drive continuous improvement and values-based workplace culture
This is a 12-month backfill contract commencing as soon as possible
About You
Essential:
* Proven enterprise bargaining experience
* Track record managing complex FWC matters and high-risk investigations
* Demonstrated leadership of ER/IR or HR teams
* Advanced Fair Work Act expertise (NES, modern awards, caselaw)
* Exceptional executive stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Ability to obtain satisfactory National Police Check and NT Working with Children Clearance
Desirable:
* Experience in a University environment
* Workers' compensation case management expertise
Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 10. The base salary will be in the range of $133,156 - $147,782 per annum.
The total remuneration package will be in the range of $155,792 - $172,904 per annum inclusive of 17% superannuation
First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures
While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here
Access Full Position Description
Click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.
What's in it for you?
* An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
* 17% superannuation
* Up to six weeks of paid annual leave plus a range of other generous leave provisions
* Workplace Flexibility
* Relocation assistance provided for interstate candidates
* Salary Packaging opportunities
* Free on-campus parking in designated areas
* An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
* Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education, and research
* Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
* Employee Assistance Program
* Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter (outlining relevant skills and experience) via the Apply button.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Nicki Inkley, Deputy Director People and Employee Relations on or
Do you need support?
CDU endeavours to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture.
Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure.
For confidential discussions, reasonable adjustment requests, or further information on workplace inclusion and policies, please contact People Services on or
Work Health and Safety
CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence outside the workplace.
Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.
Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.
You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.
Applications Close: Thursday 22nd January 2026