This is a unique opportunity to join a newly established national public health organisation with a critical role in protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of Australians. As the organisation continues to grow and evolve, there is a strong focus on building a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven workforce capable of delivering meaningful outcomes for the Australian community.
About the Team
The People and Culture team partners with leaders across the organisation to attract, develop and support a capable workforce. The team provides strategic and operational HR services, workforce planning, industrial and employee relations advice, organisational development, workforce reporting, and people-focused initiatives that help shape the culture and future direction of the organisation.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in building and strengthening the people function of a growing agency.
About the Role
The Senior Enterprise Agreement / HR Specialist is a senior human resources professional responsible for leading enterprise agreement bargaining activities, providing expert industrial relations advice, and supporting the delivery of strategic workforce initiatives.
Working closely with senior executives and key stakeholders, you will provide trusted advice on complex employment matters, workforce strategy, organisational change, and people-related risks. You will also contribute to building a positive workplace culture through contemporary HR practices, employee engagement initiatives, and workforce improvement programs.
This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys influencing strategic workforce outcomes while remaining hands-on in the delivery of operational HR services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead enterprise agreement bargaining activities, consultation processes, negotiations, and implementation.
- Provide expert advice on complex industrial relations, employee relations, and workforce matters.
- Develop and implement HR policies, frameworks, and people initiatives that support a positive workplace culture.
- Analyse workforce data and trends to inform workforce planning and executive decision-making.
- Provide authoritative advice on employment legislation, public sector employment frameworks, and HR policy.
- Lead complex workforce projects, business improvement initiatives, and organisational change programs.
- Partner with senior leaders to ensure workforce considerations are embedded in strategic planning and decision-making.
- Support employee engagement, diversity, inclusion, and capability development initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with employees, unions, bargaining representatives, and external stakeholders.
- Mentor and support HR team members to deliver high-quality outcomes.
You Must Have
- Significant experience across strategic and operational human resources functions.
- Demonstrated experience leading or supporting enterprise bargaining processes and managing complex industrial relations matters.
- Strong knowledge of employment legislation, industrial instruments, and public sector employment frameworks.
- Experience providing advice to senior leaders on complex workforce, employee relations, and organisational issues.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- Proven experience leading HR projects, workforce initiatives, or organisational change programs.
- Ability to analyse workforce data and provide practical recommendations to support business outcomes.
- Strong judgement, problem-solving capability, and decision-making skills.
- High levels of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
- Experience leading, coaching, or mentoring HR professionals is highly regarded.
- Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Organisational Development, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in strategic workforce management, industrial relations, or senior HR leadership roles will also be considered in place of formal qualifications.
Benefits:
- ASAP start (pending Federal Police Clearance)
- 6-month assignment with potential extension
- Location: Canberra
How to apply:
Chandler Macleod is an equal opportunity employer as part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disability and culturally and linguistics candidates are also encouraged to apply.
Please note the successful candidate for the role must hold Australian Citizenship.
Application closes on the 11 November 2026
