Principal Advisor (Human Resources)

Department of Transport and Main Roads; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Main Roads in Brisbane is hiring a Principal Advisor (Human Resources) to support the General Manager with workforce planning and organisational design for the branch and projects. You will provide expert HR/IR guidance to senior management and project teams on policies, procedures and legislation.

The role sits within Queensland's rail infrastructure delivery context, with the Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office guiding large-scale projects and system enhancements

Qualifications

• Experience providing HR/IR advice to senior management and project teams.
• Knowledge of public sector legislation, policies and directives.
• Proven capability in workforce planning and organisational design.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR/IR advice to the General Manager and senior leaders on workforce planning and organisational design for the branch and projects.
• Lead and coordinate HR activities, ensuring compliance with standards and legislation.
• Prepare submissions, reports and correspondence on HR issues for senior management.

Skills

HR advisory

Employee relations

Organisational design

Workforce planning

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Job description

The purpose of the Principal Advisor (Human Resources) role is to provide support and advice to the General Manager in establishing a workforce plan and organisational design for the branch and projects. You will also provide expert HR/IR advice to senior management, project teams and staff on human resource policies, procedures and relevant legislation.

Queensland's passenger rail network is undergoing significant transformation in response to unprecedented growth and emerging demands. In the next decade, various large rail infrastructure investment projects and system enhancements will be delivered which will change the way people move. To ensure a co-ordinated approach in the delivery of this large rail infrastructure pipeline, TMR has established a Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office.

Some Of Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Provide HR/IR advice and support to General Manager and senior leadership team for the planning and development of organisational design for the branch and projects, including its technical capability framework for rail expertise, establish and implement workforce planning strategies and initiatives ensuring compliance with departmental and whole-of-government standards, policies, procedures, directives and legislation.
• Provide HR/IR advice to the leadership team in planning and delivering specific HR projects and initiatives to improve business processes and address HR issues and providing support to the General Manager on complex case management and employee relation matters.
• Oversee the day-to-day HR activities of a small HR team and develop and implement systems and processes to ensure the branches HR activities are documented and compliant with business practices and legislation. Prepare and present high-quality submissions, reports, briefing notes, and correspondence on HR issues.

About You

We recognise and celebrate that everyone is unique and seek the applicant best suited to the role. We will assess your experience, knowledge and acquired skills, as well as your potential for development and your personal qualities. To thrive in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following:

Mandatory Requirements

While there are no mandatory requirements for this role the following would be considered highly desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in organisational design and workforce planning, employee relations, case management including managing workplace conflict, performance issues, disciplinary matters and non-work-related injury/illness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector legislation and government directives or demonstrated ability to quickly acquire knowledge, interpret and apply.
• Previous experience working within a major infrastructure project or program environment.

Requirements Of The Role

• Leads strategically by thinking critically and recognising the impact of organisational events on the team's work. Articulates the contributions of individual efforts to the organisation's vision, efficiently prioritises projects, and seeks customer feedback.
• Analyses data, empowers collaborative decision-making within the team, and helps others to recognise strengths, potential biases, and overlooked considerations in their decision-making processes.
• Guides the team with clear vision and communicates the significance of their work. Fosters a healthy workplace, connects with others and demonstrates genuine interest in their well-being, while embracing diversity and flexibility.
• Drives accountability and outcomes by recognising own role in achieving results, persistently overcoming challenges and contributing to the development of team objectives.
• Supports others to embrace and operate within legislation and policy frameworks to guide everyday practice. Promotes integrity in managing processes and resources, ensuring others are well-informed and trained for effective implementation.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/705410/26

Closing Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Occupational group HR & Industrial Relations