Workplace Relations Lead

Brotherhood of St Laurence; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $18,500 per yr

Hybrid and flexible working

Leave loading 17.5%

Professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted health insurance

Annual flu vaccinations

Job summary

The Brotherhood of St Laurence in Melbourne is seeking a Workplace Relations Lead to shape and lead our workplace relations function during a period of transformation. This is a permanent full-time role reporting to the Head of People Care & Operations.

The position offers a base salary of $140,000 per year plus a $13,000 vehicle allowance, 12% superannuation and generous salary packaging benefits, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in employee and industrial relations within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, industrial relations frameworks and contemporary workplace practices.
• Experience managing complex employment matters, disputes and workplace investigations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels.
• Experience working collaboratively with unions, employee representatives and external advisers.
• A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Law or a related discipline is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic employee and industrial relations initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on complex employment, conduct and performance matters.
• Manage industrial issues, consultations, enterprise agreement negotiations and union relationships.
• Support organisational change through practical risk management and workforce advice.
• Develop and maintain workplace relations policies, frameworks and standards.
• Build leader capability through coaching, guidance and education.
• Monitor and manage legislative and industrial developments to ensure best practice and compliance.

Skills

Employee Relations

Industrial Relations

Stakeholder Engagement

Coaching Leaders

Unions/Advocacy

Risk & Compliance

Education

Bachelor degree in HR/IR/Law

Job description

Workplace Relations Lead

Shape workplace relations strategy. Drive and influence outcomes.

At the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), we're looking for an experienced Workplace Relations Lead to shape and lead our workplace relations function during an exciting period of transformation.

Location: Fitzroy, VIC
Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time
Base Salary: $140,000 per annum plus $13,000 vehicle allowance, 12% superannuation and generous salary packaging benefits

Why join BSL?

At BSL, our vision is an Australia free of poverty. For more than 90 years, we've worked alongside communities, governments and partners to create lasting change.

This is a unique opportunity to lead strategic workplace relations initiatives, influence organisational decision-making, and build leadership capability across a purpose-driven organisation.

What we offer

• Salary packaging up to $18,500 per year to increase your take-home pay
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 17.5% leave loading
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted health insurance
• Annual flu vaccinations

About the role

Reporting to the Head of People Care & Operations, you will lead BSL's Workplace Relations function, providing expert guidance on complex employee and industrial relations matters across the organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders and People, Culture & Engagement colleagues, you will manage sensitive and high risk matters, support organisational change, strengthen employment practices, and help foster positive and productive workplace outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic employee and industrial relations initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on complex employment, conduct and performance matters.
• Manage industrial issues, consultations, enterprise agreement negotiations and union relationships.
• Support organisational change through practical risk management and workforce advice.
• Develop and maintain workplace relations policies, frameworks and standards.
• Build leader capability through coaching, guidance and education.
• Monitor and manage legislative and industrial developments to ensure best practice and compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a workplace relations expert who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, strong stakeholder engagement skills and a pragmatic approach to solving complex people challenges.

About you

You are a trusted Workplace Relations professional with deep technical expertise, sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to resolving complex people matters. Known for your ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes, you thrive in navigating challenging situations while balancing risk, compliance and organisational needs.

You'll Bring

• Significant experience in employee and industrial relations within a complex organisational environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation, industrial relations frameworks and contemporary workplace practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex employment matters, disputes and workplace investigations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels.
• Experience working collaboratively with unions, employee representatives and external advisers.
• A passion for coaching and supporting leaders to effectively manage people related matters.

A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Law or a related discipline is essential.

We are an EEO and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

BSL is a child-safe organisation. BSL has zero tolerance to any form of abuse or harm to vulnerable people and is committed to specifically protecting children from harm. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Recruitment decisions are based on the key inherent needs and requirements of each role, and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and characteristics. Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.