Senior Manager, Workplace Relations

Job Description

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 create 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.

Our unit

Sitting within the Resource Division, Human Resource Services (HRS) unit provides a broad range of HR services across all areas of the University. This role works closely with other HR teams including Talent Acquisition, HR Advisory Support, Remuneration and Benefits, Capability and Development, Wellbeing, Health & Safety and Employee Relations.

Be challenged and imagine with us

The Senior Manager, Workplace Relations is an exciting new role that will be responsible for overseeing and managing employee relations within the University. This role is crucial in maintaining a positive and productive work environment while ensuring compliance with relevant employment laws and regulations.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Director, Workplace Relations, Governance and Policy to promote effective communication, address workplace conflicts, and foster a culture of fairness and respect. They will provide a much-needed layer of support for senior University leaders and an escalation point for HR Business Partners and the broader HR Service team to ensure compliance to legislation and HR best practice.

How will you inspire us

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong employee relations capability to work in a dynamic role where you can showcase your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ideally coming from a legal background, you will have extensive knowledge and understanding of employment law, enterprise bargaining processes, awards, and agreements. You will also be able to step out of the traditional employee relations space to encompass change management, performance management and strategic human resource planning.

As a senior member of the team, you will act independently to manage operational issues as well as engage with stakeholders on complex issues to ensure outcomes delivered are aligned to stakeholder needs.

You will have:

• Qualifications in law, industrial relation or a related discipline and extensive relevant experience, including management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing employee relations strategy and in navigating a complex industrial relations environment to deliver significant positive change.
• A proven track record of effectively leading and developing a team of professionals to deliver outstanding performance.
• Direct experience in negotiating enterprise agreement outcomes in an active unionised environment.
• Extensive knowledge of the employee relations discipline and associated legislative and policy frameworks.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

 
What we offer

This position will be offered as a HEW 9 full-time permanent role with 17% superannuation.

For information on our employee benefits (such as flexible working, discounts in private health insurance and gym memberships and salary packaging) please click here.

The University is committed to being a leader in family-friendly working environments.

Move to Newcastle

A move to Newcastle offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland – the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance.

Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.

Your next steps

Visit this page for a guide on how to apply for a role.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University’s website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Andrew Cairns, Associate Director Workplace Relations, Governance & Policy on (02) 40550823 or via email at [email protected]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [email protected]

Closing date: 28th March 2024 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.