Principal Advisor - Workplace Relations

Principal Advisor – Workplace Relations
Permanent Opportunity | Flexible Hybrid Work Model
Location: Melbourne CBD | Rate: Salary: $130K–$140K + 17% super

We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to join a dynamic and values-driven organisation within the education sector. This senior-level role sits within the Operations, HR, Policy, and Workplace Relations portfolio, offering the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to strategic and enterprise-wide initiatives.
In this role, you will provide expert advice on complex workplace relations matters, manage industrial issues, and support senior leadership in navigating legal and policy challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level advice on workplace relations, including performance management, misconduct, industrial disputes, enterprise-wide change, and terminations.
• Manage complex case work and industrial disputes from initiation through to resolution.
• Draft senior-level correspondence, including legal advice, submissions, and policy documents.
• Represent the organisation professionally in response to formal disputes, legal claims, or union correspondence.
• Negotiate with unions and influence stakeholders across all levels to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Research and interpret legislation, enterprise agreements, case law, and internal policies to support advice and responses.
• Lead and contribute to the development and implementation of ER/IR strategies, policies, and enterprise bargaining.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior staff to ensure capability building and high team performance.

About You:

• Deep knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009, contract law, and experience working with enterprise agreements.
• Proven experience in resolving complex industrial matters, negotiating with unions, and delivering strategic HR advice.
• Strong drafting skills, with experience preparing high-level legal and policy documents.
• Demonstrated understanding of procedural fairness and natural justice principles.
• Experience advocating in external jurisdictions such as the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
• Ability to interpret complex legislation, policy, and industrial instruments to provide clear, strategic advice.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS tools such as ServiceNow and Workday.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys coaching and mentoring others.

How to Apply:
If you're a highly experienced workplace relations professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys working at a strategic level, we want to hear from you.

 

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.