Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Colac Otway Shire; Colac; On-site; AUD 103,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner to join our People and Culture team. This permanent full-time role acts as a trusted advisor to leaders, strengthening capability, managing complex people matters and driving strategic initiatives that support our communities.

You will lead employee relations, investigations, enterprise bargaining support, and workforce planning while shaping culture and improving performance through data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior HRBP, employee/industrial relations or IR role.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, Fair Work processes and enterprise agreements.
• Experience handling complex employee relations and workplace investigations.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and coaching skills.
• Experience supporting organisational development, workforce planning and change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations, industrial relations and employment legislation.
• Lead complex workplace investigations, dispute resolution and case management activities.
• Partner with leaders to build capability, improve performance and strengthen workplace culture.
• Support enterprise bargaining, workplace change initiatives and union consultation.
• Represent Council in Fair Work matters and manage employment-related proceedings.
• Drive workforce planning, organisational development and people-focused improvement initiatives.
• Use workforce insights and data to identify trends, mitigate risk and support informed decision‑making.

Skills

Employee relations

Industrial relations

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Workforce planning

Organisational development

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

HR/IR/Business qualification

Job description

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Permanent Full-Time | Band 7

Colac Otway Shire Council

Shape the future of our workforce. Influence culture. Drive meaningful change.

At Colac Otway Shire Council, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Human Resources Business Partner to join our People and Culture team and help shape a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

This is more than a traditional HR role. As a trusted advisor to leaders across the organisation, you'll play a critical role in strengthening workforce capability, managing complex people matters and driving strategic people initiatives that support our communities and organisational success.

What you'll be doing

As our Senior Human Resources Business Partner, you will:

• Provide expert advice on employee relations, industrial relations and employment legislation.
• Lead complex workplace investigations, dispute resolution and case management activities.
• Partner with leaders to build capability, improve performance and strengthen workplace culture.
• Support enterprise bargaining, workplace change initiatives and union consultation.
• Represent Council in Fair Work matters and manage employment-related proceedings.
• Drive workforce planning, organisational development and people-focused improvement initiatives.
• Use workforce insights and data to identify trends, mitigate risk and support informed decision‑making.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a strategic HR professional who can balance operational excellence with a people-centred approach.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior HR Business Partner, Employee Relations or Industrial Relations role.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, Fair Work processes and enterprise agreements.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters and workplace investigations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, coaching and influencing skills.
• Experience supporting organisational development, workforce planning and change initiatives.
• Outstanding communication, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business or a related discipline.

Why join Colac Otway Shire Council?

At Colac Otway Shire Council, we're committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. Our values guide everything we do: supportive, inclusive and respectful; positive in our approach; safe in our practices; accountable and proactive; acting with integrity; communicating effectively; and being flexible and progressive.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $103,320.36 to $114,122.84 per annum plus superannuation
• Flexible and progressive workplace culture
• Opportunity to influence organisational strategy and workforce outcomes
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• Meaningful work that directly impacts the Colac Otway community

Ready to make a difference?

If you're an experienced HR professional who thrives on partnering with leaders, navigating complex people matters and driving positive organisational change, we'd love to hear from you.

For further information regarding the duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the position description.

Written responses to the key selection criteria are not required as part of the application process. The selection criteria outlined in the Position Description will be assessed during the interview process.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and this position will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.