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.

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 Childrens Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

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

A career with us
We’d love for you to continue your career with the City and set the benchmark for a sustainable, inclusive and culturally safe workplace. With a range of benefits, flexible working options, learning and development opportunities, support services and the opportunity to give back to the community, the City has so much to offer!

Click https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/employment/article/item/8d1155a0d84344d.aspx to view all the benefits to you working at the City.

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

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.

Applications close: 12 April 2026, 11:55pm

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.

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