At Victoria University (VU), our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan 2022-2028: Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

• Join a dynamic and evolving team - make your mark!
• The position is located at our Footscray Campus (Hybrid WFH 3:2)
• Use your ER/IR expertise to guide the next generation of our workforce!

Role Description

The Workplace Relations Specialist plays a key role in supporting the university by delivering expert advice and proactive case management on workplace matters. This includes interpreting enterprise agreements, contracts, legislation, and university policies. The role also contributes to broader People and Culture initiatives such as employee conduct, governance, compliance, enterprise bargaining, and fostering a thriving workplace aligned with the university’s strategic goals

What you'll do

• Provide expert support to P&C business partners and senior managers in identifying and managing behavioural issues in the workplace.
• Manage complex interpersonal and behavioural cases to resolution, ensuring alignment with university strategy and compliance with industrial instruments and legislation.
• Represent the University at the Fair Work Commission, including conciliation, dispute resolution, and arbitration.
• Deliver capability uplift programs for P&C and senior leaders, focusing on early identification and resolution of staff issues.
• Offer high-level interpretation and advice on industrial instruments, contracts, legislation, and university policies to guide decision-making.
• Support compliance with psychosocial safety legislation and contribute to a consistent, values-aligned ER/IR approach

What you'll bring

• Proven ability to resolve complex workplace relations cases efficiently and effectively, with a strong understanding of employment law and industrial instruments.
• Demonstrated capability to guide senior staff on strategic and interpersonal workplace matters, including the development of training and educational resources.
• Extensive experience in delivering staff development programs, such as workshops and seminars, to build capability in managing staff issues.
• Strong skills in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution, with a track record of applying these tools to resolve complex staffing issues.
• Expertise in interpreting and applying industrial instruments, contracts, legislation, and policies, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.

Why Join Us?

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Jobs at VU Webpage.

Our Commitment to Protecting Country:

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.

Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

Victoria University welcomes and celebrates the diverse perspectives, identities, and backgrounds of all people. We are committed to progressive inclusivity as a core strategic priority. All members of the VU community have a responsibility to be inclusive, respectful and supportive of all.

We are committed to maintaining a workforce which reflects the community we serve, this means we strive to attract, retain, develop and empower talented individuals from all backgrounds. We encourage applicants who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised people, those from the LGBTQIA+ community, people from all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our community and fosters a more innovative, inclusive, and supportive working environment, where everyone feels they belong.

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you have access requirements or would benefit from adjustments, including with position descriptions, application forms, or require any other document in an accessible format at any stage of the recruitment process please contact us at [email protected] or call (03) 9919 5999.