About the role
In this role, you will partner with leaders to resolve issues, promote positive workplace relationships, and ensure compliance with legislation, industrial instruments, and organisational policies.

The role supports enterprise bargaining, policy development, and people and culture initiatives and building strong stakeholder engagement to deliver fair, consistent, and positive workplace outcomes aligned with the City’s goals.

Work type: 12 month contract , 3 days a week
Classification: Band 8, $122,040 pa plus super pro rata

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide professional employee and industrial relations advice aligned with the Business Plan, the City’s interests, legislation, policies, and statutory requirements.
• Lead and manage complex casework, including performance management, misconduct, investigations, disciplinary processes, workplace conflict, and grievances.
• Case manage IR/ER matters from triage through to timely resolution, including matters before external tribunals.
• Represent the City in industrial tribunals and coordinate briefs to employer associations and legal advocates.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with unions, employer organisations, and key stakeholders, including participation in union consultative committees.
• Support complex organisational change initiatives as required.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver expert advice, coaching, and practical ER/IR solutions.
• Development, review and interpretation of Enterprise Agreements, employment contracts, and HR policies.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have a tertiary qualification in relevant specialist field(s) and or significant professional experience in human resources or employee/industrial relations in a comparable organisation

Essential Experience:

• Advanced knowledge of industrial and employee relations legislation, policies, and practices.
• Experience representing and advocating matters before the Fair Work Commission and other external jurisdictions.
• Experience in enterprise bargaining, including negotiation, drafting, and implementation.
• Proven ability to negotiate with and influence unions, clients, and senior stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Ability to effectively liaise with directors, senior leaders, managers, unions, and employees at all levels to resolve HR-related issues.

Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children's Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: Nikki Short | Senior Talent Acquisition Partner |Nikki.Short@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience.  We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

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