"Principal Consultant, Workplace Relations"

Principal Consultant, Workplace Relations

Job no: 582888

Work type: Full-time

Location: Geelong - City, Melbourne - Burwood

Categories: Administration, Human / People Services, Legal Services

• Based at our Geelong, Waterfront Campus or Melbourne, Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time (36.75 hours per week), fixed term until July 2027
• Competitive Remuneration + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

The role:

As Principal Consultant, Workplace Relations within the People & Culture division, you will oversee key industrial relations activity and provide substantial project management and stakeholder engagement expertise to support University wide activity. Your expert advice on employment legislation in the University context, will ensure compliance and success in managing significant projects and guiding employment decisions.

A pivotal leadership position, the role requires a comprehensive understanding of the Enterprise Agreement and Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). You will work to upskill colleagues and senior stakeholders across the University on the impact of new legislation, guiding solutions, process improvements and implementation workstreams. Cross-functional communications expertise is therefore essential within this key position.

As the Principal Consultant, you will:

• Advise on workplace relations matters, enterprise agreement complexities, complex cases and industrial disputes. 
• Deliver exceptional project management with a well-considered plan, including risk assessment and actionable implementation. 
• Establish long-term partnerships with stakeholders, act as a trusted advisor, and drive continuous improvement through creativity, innovation, and strategic recommendations.
• Offer clear direction and expert leadership, enabling effective problem-solving and ensuring solutions are both innovative and sustainable.
• Foster a culture of integrity and accountability, ensuring team alignment with Deakin’s strategic plan and creating an environment where team members feel valued and motivated.  

To be successful, you’ll have:

• The ability to offer high-quality advice on HR/IR matters, including managing intricate compliance activity and enterprise agreement negotiations.
• Deep knowledge of Australian workplace/industrial relations legislation and practices 
• Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and management expertise in Workplace Relations, Employment Law or similar; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training (financial support can be provided to maintain a practising certificate).
• Experience working in the tertiary sector (desirable).

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role please contact Kirsty Allan, Associate Director, Workplace Relations on kirsty.allan@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Principal Consultant Workplace Relations HEW 10.pdf

Applications for this position close at 11.55pm on Thursday 26th March 2026

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Advertised: 12 Mar 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time