Head, Employee Relations

Macquarie University; Sydney; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

Subsidised onsite parking

Onsite childcare facilities

Job summary

Macquarie University invites a seasoned Head of Employee Relations to provide strategic oversight across the University Group, including MQ University and MQ Health. You will guide complex workplace matters, enterprise agreement bargaining, and union relations, while mentoring ER/HR teams and shaping policy to ensure fair and compliant people practices.

You will lead high-stakes negotiations, elevate change-management strategies, and partner with HR to deliver a collaborative, high-performing

Qualifications

• HR/IR qualifications and related experience.
• Deep understanding of the employment law framework and principles.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex case management, dispute resolution and change management processes.
• Experience contributing to enterprise agreement bargaining and implementation.
• Proven capability in mentoring and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-quality employee relations advice and services to key stakeholders, including complex cases and matters under Enterprise Agreements and awards.
• Lead a whole-of-HR approach to managing complex matters including conduct, performance and change projects.
• Oversee the implementation of Enterprise Agreements and Awards and provide input into bargaining and implementation across varied contexts.
• Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring to ER and HR team members to build capability.
• Develop and maintain relationships with unions to promote industrial harmony and effective workplace relations solutions.
• Represent the University in meetings and negotiations with unions and in employment-related legal proceedings when required.
• Lead in HR policy development and review with employment/industrial relations elements.
• Participate in HR Leadership Team and contribute to a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance.

Skills

HR/IR qualifications

Legal knowledge

Dispute resolution

Change management

Mentoring

Job description

Job Description:

Macquarie University Macquarie University is a top-performing modern university situated in Sydney Australia. With its consistency in excellence and eminence over the years, Macquarie has become a five-star university. Essentially,...

• Package Circa $240K including up to 17% superannuation negotiable
• Full time, continuing appointment
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Provide strategic oversight of employee relations across a leading University group

Macquarie University is seeking a Head, Employee Relations to provide strategic oversight of our employee and industrial relations function across the University Group, including Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital and our controlled entities.

In this senior role, you will guide the University Group through complex workplace matters, enterprise agreement implementation and bargaining, and union relationships. You will help ensure our people management practices are fair, effective and aligned with legislative obligations, while contributing to a high-performing, collaborative and respectful workplace culture.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution at scale, partnering across Human Resources and the wider University to help realise our strategic objectives and enhance the working lives of our academic and professional community.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief People Officer and leading a team of Senior Employee Relations Consultants and a Health Management Advisor, you will:

• Oversee the provision of high-quality employee relations advice and services to key stakeholders, particularly in relation to complex cases, dispute resolution and matters under the University Group's Enterprise Agreements and awards, ensuring processes are managed fairly and in line with legislative and procedural requirements.
• Guide a whole-of-HR approach to managing complex matters, from conduct and performance to significant change management projects, including effective case management, elevation and intervention.
• Oversee the implementation of the University Group's Enterprise Agreements and Awards and provide significant input into the planning and negotiation of enterprise agreements across a range of industrial contexts.
• Provide coaching, professional guidance and mentoring to ER and HR team members and identify capability-building opportunities to enhance individual and team performance.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with unions to promote industrial harmony and effective workplace relations solutions.
• Represent the University and its controlled entities in meetings and negotiations with unions, and in employment-related legal proceedings where required.
• Take a lead role in the development, maintenance and review of HR policy, particularly policies with an employment and industrial relations element.
• Actively participate in the HR Leadership Team, model expected behaviours, and help shape a positive workplace culture, while ensuring compliance with relevant EEO and WHS obligations.

About Us

Human Resources provides advice and services to the University and its controlled entities (including Macquarie University Hospital) across the attraction, selection, performance, development and remuneration of our workforce, and ensures compliance with relevant workforce legislation.

Employee Relations is a specialist HR team responsible for advising on the development and implementation of industrial instruments, complex case management of complaints and matters relating to performance, conduct and workplace change, and liaison with unions on industrial issues. The team works in close consultation with HR Business Partners, HR Shared Services, and specialist teams across Capability, Culture and Inclusion and Talent Acquisition to deliver responsive, high-quality service.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a seasoned employee and industrial relations practitioner with deep knowledge of the employment legal framework and a track record of guiding organisations through complex workplace matters. You bring sound judgement, clear communication and a genuine commitment to fair and effective people practices.

• HR, IR or legal qualifications and related experience.
• Deep understanding of the employment-related legal framework and principles.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex case management, dispute resolution and change management processes.
• Experience contributing to enterprise agreement bargaining and implementation across varied industrial contexts.
• Proven capability in mentoring and developing team members and building organisational capability.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective relationships with unions and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong experience in and understanding of risk management practices.
• Experience working within the Higher Education context would be highly regarded.

Applications Close

Applications Close: Wednesday 23 September 2026.

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact David Ward, Chief People Officer at [e-mail] or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] or Kate Williams, Talent Acquisition Consultant at [e-mail] .

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today .

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

This position requires a Criminal History Check and Qualification Check.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close

23/09/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework .

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.