Workplace Relations Advisor

Newcastle; Newcastle; Hybrid; AUD 121,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pro-rated salary

Flexible working

17% super + salary packaging

Holiday and leave benefits

Discounts on health, gym, software, or

Travel benefits

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is looking for a dynamic Workplace Relations Advisor to support senior managers and HR partners in delivering compliant, effective workplace relations strategies. You will triage and manage cases, provide expert consultancy, and partner with the Associate Director to foster a positive and harmonious workplace culture.

In this full-time HEW 8 role at Callaghan Campus, you will lead employment practices, engage with the organisation, negotiate agreements, and contribute

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in workplace relations with a focus on compliance and case management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement workplace relations strategy.
• Manage employment practices and compliance.
• Engage with the organisation and key stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations and agreements with unions or groups.
• Develop and maintain policy and governance frameworks.
• Oversee performance management within workplace relations.

Skills

Consultancy skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Industrial relations knowledge

Education

HR/IR/Law degree

Job description

The University of Newcastle is a prestigious institution committed to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment. We are seeking a dynamic Workplace Relations Advisor to join our team and contribute to our mission of maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace.

Be challenged and imagine with us

As a Workplace Relations Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the relationship between the University and its employees. You will provide expert consultancy services to senior managers, supervisors, Human Resource Business Partners, our WHS team and other key stakeholders, ensuring compliance with employment laws and fostering a positive workplace culture.

You will be the primary point of contact for workplace relations cases, responsible for triaging, assessing, and managing cases to resolution. Collaborating closely with the Associate Director, Workplace Relations, Governance, and Policy, you will develop and implement effective workplace relations strategies that position the University of Newcastle as a leading institution and employer of choice.

Your key responsibilities will encompass:

• Workplace relations strategy
• Management of employment practices
• Engagement with the organisation
• Negotiations and agreements
• Compliance and Policy Development
• Performance Management

You will inspire us with your

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in workplace relations, with a focus on compliance and case management.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing workplace relations strategies.
• Experience in enterprise bargaining and union negotiations.
• Strong understanding of labour laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

This continuing position is full time at a HEW 8 Higher Education Level located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information click here – Our Uni.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $120677 - $140791 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

For specific position enquiries, please contact Andrew Cairns, Associate Director Workplace Relations, Governance & Policy 02 4055 0823 or via email [e-mail]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday Wednesday 18th November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact [e-mail].

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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