Head of Workplace Relations

Head of Workplace Relations

We are partnering with a large, complex organisation to appoint an experienced Head of Workplace Relations to lead a high-impact function during a period of change and transformation.

This is a senior leadership role for a pragmatic, people-centred workplace relations professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys balancing technical expertise with trusted advisory capability.

About the Role
Reporting to a senior People leader, you will oversee and lead the Workplace Relations function, guiding a team of experienced HR and workplace relations professionals to deliver strong, consistent outcomes across the organisation.
You will play a critical role in managing complex employee and industrial relations matters, supporting organisational change initiatives, and providing strategic advice to senior leaders.

This role requires strong judgement, political acumen and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with confidence, care and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Workplace Relations function, overseeing ER/IR and HR advisory streams
• Provide strategic, tactical and operational advice to senior leaders on complex workplace matters
• Manage and resolve investigations, disputes, performance matters, grievances and organisational change processes
• Build and maintain effective relationships with unions, employee representatives and key stakeholders
• Develop and implement contemporary policies, frameworks and governance that support a positive, compliant workplace culture
• Coach, mentor and develop a high-performing team to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes

About You
You are a confident and collaborative leader with deep expertise in workplace relations and employee relations, ideally gained within the public sector or a similarly complex environment.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading workplace relations and ER/IR functions
• Strong capability in investigations, dispute resolution, organisational change and enterprise bargaining
• A proven ability to lead, develop and motivate high-performing teams
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at executive level
• Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to manage sensitive matters with care

Your Application
If you’re passionate about improving safety, wellbeing and recovery outcomes while contributing to a culture of care and accountability, we’d love to hear from you.

For inquiries, please contact Cheri Randell at cheri@publicsectorpeople.com.au or 0466 699 297.

Applications for this role will close on Friday 16th January 2026.  

Please note that our office re-opens on Monday 5th January and candidates will be contacted after this date.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with shortlisting occurring throughout the advertising period. The advertisement may close early should a suitable candidate be identified.

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