Principal Advisor, Workplace Relations

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We provide expert workplace relations advice and support to managers, clients, stakeholders, and staff across the entire University. Our team are known for our proactive and innovative approach to addressing complex workplace issues, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, and driving meaningful change to make tomorrow better.  

We are seeking a Principal Advisor, Workplace Relations to provide specialist advice on complex workplace relations matters across the areas of complaints, grievances, misconduct, performance, enterprise agreement interpretation, enterprise bargaining and implementation of industrial relations strategies and change management initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:  

• Expert Support: Adapt and translate workplace relations best practices to deliver high-quality support and advice to staff and management across the University. 
• Complex Case Handling: Provide expert advice on sensitive and complex complaints involving bullying, discrimination, harassment, performance, and misconduct matters. 
• Leadership Support: Support senior leaders in managing complex workplace relations issues. 
• Conflict Prevention: Work closely with colleagues to facilitate early intervention in workplace conflicts and complaints. 
• Case Management: Oversee and manage workplace relations cases efficiently. 
• Union Relations: Foster productive relationships with unions to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. 
• Change Management: Support industrial change management, including change proposals and developing reports on active changes throughout the University. 
• Policy Guidance: Provide advice on queries related to the University’s enterprise agreement and all relevant policies and procedures. 
• Enterprise Bargaining: Support and participate in enterprise bargaining processes. 

• Legal qualifications with admission to practice in Western Australia and an unrestricted practicing certificate. 
• Extensive experience (5+ years post-qualification) in employment law, either in practice or in-house. 
• In-depth knowledge of the Australian industrial relations framework and the National Employment Standards. 
• Experience in the interpretation, review, and application of provisions governing conditions of employment, HR policies, and procedures. 
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to resolve workplace relations issues. 
• Excellent critical thinking skills with practical experience in complex organisations. 
• High-level interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to present and communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in terms of business improvements. 

As this is a permanent position,

This position is

, candidates are expected to either be currently located in Perth, WA, or express a willingness to relocate.

Relocation and sponsorship support will not be provided for this position.   

To view a copy of the Position Description, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser, https://tinyurl.com/59nn99hz.
About Curtin 
At Curtin, we are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket.
Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace and are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.

• Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings. 
• Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise; as well as Hotel and Health Insurance discounts. 
• Time Well-Spent: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Leave (5 days)*, Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. As well as access to Long Service Leave after 7 years of continuous service (65 days/13-week entitlement for full-time staff). 
• Plus 18% more observed days off - enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9). 
• Recognition for Prior Service: Curtin recognises prior service for long service leave purposes. New Curtin employees may be* eligible if they have worked for an Australian University, public service or other recognised institution. 
• Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2 hours per week of paid time off to engage in University-approved healthy lifestyle activities. Explore Curtin’s wellbeing locations at https://tinyurl.com/mtyf3vad 

For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au 

To be considered, please include your CV and a detailed cover letter addressing how your experience aligns to the role requirements to allow us to assess your suitability. 

10:30AM AWST Sunday 04 August 2024

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. 

You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. 

If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1) or alternatively via email at [email protected].