Work type
Permanent Full Time
Workplace Relations Lead
$136,000 -142,000 per annum (plus super)
Permanent Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.
Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.
We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.
Are you ready to be a part of an exciting and transformative journey in the heart of one of Australia's most culturally diverse and thriving communities? Greater Dandenong City Council is an innovative and forward-thinking organisation, home to Melbourne's second-largest urban centre and a pivotal hub for manufacturing, retail and commerce in the State, Greater Dandenong boasts exceptional character and a vibrant, multicultural population that contributes to a rich cultural tapestry.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and resilient Workplace Relations Lead to shape and guide our employee and industrial relations strategy. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this critical role provides specialist strategic and operational advice on complex ER/IR matters, ensuring compliance, best practices, and a positive workplace culture.
The successful candidate will drive the development and execution of a proactive employee and industrial relations strategy, offering expert guidance on complex ER/IR issues, including workplace disputes, grievances, and performance management. They will represent the Council at tribunals and within Fair Work Commission processes, play a key role with enterprise agreement negotiations from preparation to implementation, and drive and support organisational change initiatives, including restructures.
A key aspect of this role will be to develop, review, and ensure compliance with workplace policies and procedures while fostering strong working relationships with unions, legal counsel, and key stakeholders. Additionally, the Workplace Relations Lead will mentor and coach the People & Change team on ER/IR matters, ensuring ongoing capability development.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring extensive experience in a specialist Workplace Relations role within a complex, unionised environment.
A degree in Employment Law, Human Resources Management, or a related field is highly desirable.
You will have extensive experience in handling complex case management, workplace investigations and dispute resolution.
Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and advocacy skills are essential, along with the ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively across teams.
Resilience and adaptability are crucial in this high-pressure environment, where the ability to manage competing priorities and drive positive change is key.
Benefits of working with us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.
Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include
- Competitive salary
- Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
- Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
- Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
- Reward & recognition programs
- Health initiatives
- Access to our support and wellbeing programs
- A vibrant social club
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
If you have a passion for workplace relations, thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment, and are ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you.
Please follow the link below to apply:
Workplace Relations Lead - Public Sector People
Candidates will be contacted progressively throughout the recruitment process, so we encourage early applications.
For a confidential discussion or to request a full position description, please contact Cheri Randell at Public Sector People.
Applications close: 5pm, Sunday 13th April 2025
Further Information: Cheri Randell, 0466 699 297, cheri@publicsectorpeople.com.au
