Human Resources Principal Consultant

ROBERT WALTERS AUSTRALIA; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Brisbane is seeking a Principal Human Resources Consultant for a six-month contract. You will develop and implement workforce policies, provide strategic advice on employment, and support enterprise bargaining activities. An ideal candidate has experience in industrial relations, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage approvals in governance frameworks. Competitive hourly rate offered.

Qualifications

• Experience as an industrial relations specialist within the public sector.
• Proven ability in research and actionable recommendations.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Strong writing skills for high-level documents.
• Experience in managing approvals and feedback processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and analysis for employment and industrial relations issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to promote harmonious relations.
• Coordinate consultation processes for approvals.
• Prepare high-level discussion papers and briefings.
• Support team projects on training programmes.

Skills

Industrial relations expertise

Research and analysis

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Strong written communication

Stakeholder consultation

Governance framework management

Enterprise bargaining experience

Risk identification

Flexibility to changing priorities

Job description

Overview

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Principal Human Resources Consultant to join a small, highly collaborative team based in Brisbane CBD. This temporary six-month position, with the possibility of extension, offers you the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting key projects with an industrial relations focus within the public sector. You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing workforce policies, providing technical and strategic advice on employment matters, and supporting enterprise bargaining activities.

What you'll do

• Lead and contribute to comprehensive research, analysis, development, implementation, and review of employment and industrial relations issues, policies, strategies, and initiatives to ensure best practice outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders by consulting, advising, negotiating, and promoting harmonious industrial relations across all levels of the organisation.
• Coordinate consultation processes by gathering feedback from relevant parties and managing approvals in accordance with established governance requirements.
• Identify emerging industrial relations challenges by analysing issues, opportunities, risks, implications, and developing effective strategies—including risk mitigation options—for resolution.
• Prepare and present high-level discussion papers, correspondence, and briefing materials on complex employment relations topics to inform decision-making at senior levels.
• Support related team projects such as the design and rollout of mandatory training programmes aimed at enhancing workforce capability and compliance.
• Respond promptly to new priorities as they arise by adapting your approach to meet evolving organisational needs within the HR function.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues in achieving shared goals.
• Assist with alternative duties as required to support the overall programme of work within the Human Resources team.

What you bring

• Demonstrated experience as an industrial relations specialist within the public sector or similar large-scale environments where policy development is central.
• Proven ability to conduct thorough research and analysis on employment matters resulting in actionable recommendations for policy or procedural improvements.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders through consultation, negotiation, and advisory activities.
• Strong written communication skills evidenced by preparing high-level discussion papers, briefings, correspondence, or reports on complex topics.
• Experience coordinating feedback processes and managing approvals within structured governance frameworks.
• A track record of supporting or leading enterprise bargaining activities or similar collective negotiations within an organisational context.
• Capability in identifying risks and opportunities related to industrial relations issues while formulating practical solutions for resolution.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture through teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among colleagues.
• Flexibility to respond quickly to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail across multiple concurrent projects.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Brianna Brutnall on 07 3032 2286 or [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Details

• Contract Type: Contract
• Specialism: Government
• Focus: Human Resources
• Industry: Public Sector and Government
• Salary: AUD87.02 - AUD93.18 per hour
• Workplace Type: On-site
• Experience Level: Mid Management
• Location: Brisbane CBD