• Job no: JXHQ3

About the Role

The Principal Consultant, Industrial Relations leads the organisation’s IR strategy, providing expert advice on workforce planning, employee bargaining, and industrial legislation. The role supports operational needs, guides P&C leaders and business partners, and fosters strong union and employee relationships to promote a positive, Just Culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employee and Industrial Relations Strategy:
• This role leads the development and execution of the organisation’s industrial relations strategy, including enterprise agreement renewals and union negotiations. It plays a key part in workforce advocacy, engages with external stakeholders, and supports senior leaders through strategic advice and briefings to represent the organisation in key forums.
• Expert Advice and Coaching:
• The role involves providing expert industrial relations advice to senior leaders, managing disputes and grievances, and enhancing organisational capability through training. It oversees relationships with external legal advisors, supports HR Business Partners on complex IR matters, and guides them through Fair Work conciliation processes, including submission preparation.
• Industrial Relations Compliance Assurance:
• This role ensures compliance with industrial relations legislation by reviewing relevant laws, advising on risks, and aligning People and Culture policies with legal standards. It also supports policy harmonisation across the organisation, monitors IR trends, and provides strategic insights to the executive and board.

Experience and Capabilities:

• Extensive experience in industrial relations, including high-level negotiation and dispute resolution within a complex organisational environment.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial relations legislation and regulations with the ability to ensure organisational compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with unions and employee representatives, fostering a constructive industrial relations climate.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive industrial relations strategies that support organisational objectives.
• Extensive experience in leading strategy and planning for enterprise bargaining and agreements, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and compliance requirements.
• Ensure strategic oversight of compliance requirements and legislation monitoring, providing guidance and direction to ensure organisational adherence to legal and regulatory standards. 

Mandatory requirements

• Current National Police Record Check
• NDIS training (may be completed within the first month of employment)

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s qualification in a relevant discipline ideally in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, Business Administration, or a related field. 

Working with us

For over 240 years combined, Berry Street and Yooralla have been at the forefront of supporting Australians with a disability and those experiencing poverty, violence and abuse. Now, as one unified organisation, we bring together unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and families to thrive, while upholding and championing their human rights.

We believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to live the fulfilling life they choose for themselves, free from the impacts of trauma, violence, and abuse, achieved safely and with dignity.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a diverse and innovative team that’s dedicated to making a difference.
• Career Development: We support continuous learning and provide opportunities to develop your skills and career.

Sound like you?

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

If you have any questions, please contact HR at [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Consultant Industrial Relations - Yooralla enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Our culture 

We believe in diversity, inclusion and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of the Victorian community. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings, and in turn encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies. We strongly encourage people with disability, LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands People to apply. 

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability. You'll receive adjustments and support throughout the whole process — from the application stage to starting in the workplace. If you require the position description in a different format or any accommodation or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively email [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Consultant Industrial Relations - Yooralla enquiry via EthicalJobs or phone 9666 4501.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.