Principal Advisor

Principal Advisor – Workplace Relations

• Melbourne, Australia
• Competitive, depending on experience
• Full-time, Permanent, Hybrid

About Our Client

Our client is a global leader in education, committed to creating positive change and empowering individuals to succeed. They are a diverse and forward-thinking organisation now seeking a skilled Principal Advisor to provide expert advice in workplace relations and help drive their strategic goals. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly experienced professional to make a real difference in a large, complex institution.

The Role:

As a Principal Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of our client’s workplace relations function. You’ll be advising and guiding senior leadership and key stakeholders, including union representatives, on a wide range of workplace issues. From managing complex cases to ensuring compliance with policies and legislation, you’ll play a key role in supporting our client’s strategy while mitigating any potential risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expert Knowledge: Offer expert advice on the Fair Work Act 2009, contract law, and our client’s enterprise agreements and policies, with the ability to become the go-to expert on all related matters.
• Case Management: Lead the case management of complex workplace issues, including disputes, performance management, misconduct, and terminations, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.
• Complex Advice: Provide guidance on a broad range of workplace relations topics, including health-related concerns, industrial disputes, and major organisational changes.
• Consultation & Risk Management: Respond professionally to complex disputes, legal matters, and complaints, while carefully managing the organisation’s risk exposure.
• Documentation: Draft clear, professional documents such as emails, letters, complex submissions, and memos at the senior practitioner level.
• Negotiation & Influence: Lead negotiations with unions, senior stakeholders, and executives, helping drive successful outcomes and addressing industrial matters.
• Research & Analysis: Research and respond to complex industrial questions, ensuring all responses are well-founded in legislation, industrial instruments, and case law.
• Procedural Fairness: Ensure the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice are upheld in all workplace relations matters.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Mentor and guide junior team members, providing leadership and helping achieve the team’s strategic goals.
• Advocacy: Represent our client in external jurisdictions such as the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and advocate on key matters.
• Enterprise Bargaining & Policy Development: Play a lead role in enterprise bargaining, including negotiating, drafting, and developing strategies, as well as contributing to policy development and implementation.

Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009 and contract law, with the ability to become an expert in our client’s enterprise agreements and policies.
• Significant experience managing complex workplace relations cases, including disputes and performance management.
• Proven expertise in advising on and negotiating industrial action, enterprise bargaining, and employee relations strategies.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to draft high-quality, professional documentation and advise at senior levels.
• Exceptional negotiating and influencing skills, with experience working with unions and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical ability and the capability to interpret complex data, providing clear insights to support decision-making.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring junior team members, helping them develop professionally.

Why Our Client?

• Work for a leading global organisation, renowned for its commitment to innovation and making a positive impact on the world.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team where your expertise will be valued and your contribution will shape the future of the organisation.
• Access competitive benefits and professional development opportunities to support your career growth.

How to Apply:

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply online by clicking the link below, or for a confidential discussion, reach out to Sara on 0437 671 187 or email schehrenegar@welovesalt.com

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We’re proud to have won the Best Mid-Sized Recruitment Company to Work For at the 2023 TIARA Recruitment Awards, and to have been finalists, for the second year in a row, in the Client Service and Recruitment Leader of the Year categories! At Salt, our mission is Creating Futures by putting our clients, candidates, partners, and team members at the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.

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