We have an exciting opportunity…

For a Rates & Award Interpretation Lead to join the team at MRAEL, based in Northcote, VIC. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced awards, payroll or industrial relations professional to take ownership of a critical national function and become the organisation's subject matter expert in pay rates, award interpretation and compliance.

Working as part of a collaborative national team, you will play a key role in ensuring apprentice, trainee and labour hire pay and charge rates are accurate, compliant and commercially sound.

commercially sound.

The Company:

With over 30 years of experience, MRAEL stands as one of Australia's largest and most trusted education, training and employment providers. MRAEL delivers tailored workforce solutions that empower both businesses and individuals.

As part of the IntoWork Group, MRAEL is backed by one of Australia's leading not-for-profit groups delivering Employment, Skills, Education and Community Support services nationwide. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities and supporting our vision of ‘Vibrant Futures' for individuals, businesses andcommunities.

About the role:

The Rates & Award Interpretation Lead is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate pay rates for apprentices and trainees in accordance with Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements.

Reporting to the National Apprentice and Employment Manager, you will work closely with operational teams, payroll and corporate clients to ensure rates remain compliant with legislative requirements.





This is a highly specialised role suited to someone who enjoys interpreting industrial instruments, solving complex remuneration challenges and providing trusted advice to stakeholders.

As the Rates & Award Interpretation Lead, you will:

- Interpret and apply Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements to develop accurate pay and charge rates.
- Build, maintain and review apprentice and trainee pay rates nationally.
- Develop and maintain labour hire rates across the AES stream.
- Ensure rates reflect all applicable award entitlements, allowances and statutory obligations.
- Partner with Apprentice Consultants to develop compliant rate structures for host employers.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to pay and employment conditions.
- Conduct regular audits and reviews of Awards and Enterprise Agreements and implement updates as required.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and corporate clients to support compliance and operational outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and best practice in rate development and management.

About you:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional with the following background:





- Demonstrated experience in award interpretation, remuneration, payroll, industrial relations or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements and employment legislation.
- Proven experience developing and maintaining complex pay rate structures.
- Experience working with large and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Knowledge of Rates Calc or similar rate calculation systems.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Robust attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Qualifications in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Employee Relations or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

What's in it for you?

- Join a highly respected national organisation with a strong purpose and community impact.
- Opportunity to become the national subject matter expert for rates and award interpretation.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Competitive salary package and employee benefits.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Australia. Current Working with Children and National Police Checks are required and can be arranged for the successful applicant.

MRAEL is committed to supporting National Reconciliation through the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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📌 Rates & Award Interpretation Lead (Apprenticeship Services) - Hybrid WFH (Williamstown)
🏢 MRAEL
📍 Williamstown