About The Role

We have an opportunity for a Principal - Employment Relations Specialist to join our Employee Relations team on a short-term basis with the possibility of extension. As a key member of the ER team, reporting to the Manager- Employee Relations your main responsibility will be to support and work with the manager to identify employee engagement risks and opportunities, enabling the organisation to deliver a superior and relevant employee experience whilst mitigating and addressing risk.

In this hands-on role, you’ll provide specialist advice on employee and industrial relations issues including complex case management, disputes, industrial instruments and policies, employment legislation compliance and contractor workplace relations due diligence. Add to this, the opportunity to be a key member of the EA bargaining team, manage external employee claims and engage with unions.

Working as part of a supportive & diverse team, you’ll pick up fresh insights from a group of ER professionals and you’ll have the prospect to continue developing your skills on a variety of ER matters and projects.

Other Key Elements Of The Role Include

- Identify industrial issues and risks proactively and ensure effective solutions are delivered before they impact the business.
- Advise on all aspects of employee and industrial relations, including complex case management, termination of employment and associated risk, contractor workplace relations due diligence, disputes and compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other employment-related legislation.
- Coach and provide advice on the interpretation of enterprise agreements,



modern awards, and employment contracts.
- Support employment litigation in the Fair Work Commission and other relevant employment and equal opportunity tribunals.
- Be a key member of the EA bargaining team, including supporting the development and execution of the EA bargaining strategy.
- Drive the effective implementation of employment policy changes within the Corporation.
- Draft papers to the People & Safety Committee, Board and Executive Team on employment relations initiatives.

About You As a seasoned ER professional, you will be degree-qualified in industrial relations, employment law or a related discipline and have substantial experience within a similar role, with a strong understanding of relevant industrial and employment legislation. Your strong influencing and negotiating skills will be key to interfacing with external stakeholders including employee organisations. You will have practical experience in interfacing with the Fair Work Commission in respect of claims and disputes.

This integral role requires you to build trust and credibility with internal stakeholders to provide advice on complex issues. As a senior member of the ER team, you will provide mentorship and development for others within the team.





Sound like a match? Apply today

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role.

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which commonly includes - but is not limited to - a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check. If you would like the full list of pre-employment screening checks prior to applying, please contact [email protected]

Applications close 28th September 2026.

Our Commitment To a Diverse And Inclusive Workplace

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at [email protected] or 08 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website

📌 Employment Relations Principal (City of Vincent)
🏢 Water
📍 City of Vincent