Senior Employment Lawyer

• Apply your expertise to make an impact across our campuses and regions
• Join a bold award-winning Workplace Relations team recognised for leading practice
• Further develop through exposure to complex, high impact workplace matters

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Employment Lawyer to provide expert legal and strategic advice across Australia’s workplace relations framework within a large and complex organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders and People Partners, you will advise on complex and high-risk employment matters, applying legal judgement to support risk-based decision making and achieve organisational objectives.

This role offers direct exposure to the full gamut of workplace law matters. You will lead matters end to end, contribute to enterprise and organisational initiatives, and play a role in shaping approaches across the University.

You will make an impact by:

• Providing expert legal advice on employment law, enterprise agreements, awards and contracts.
• Leading complex workplace investigations and high-risk employee relations matters.
• Managing tribunal proceedings and external disputes.
• Advising on major changes, misconduct, performance and termination processes.
• Contributing to the development of policies, frameworks and capability across the organisation.

What you will bring

You are an experienced employment lawyer with strong technical capability and sound judgement. You are comfortable advising on complex and sensitive matters, and you provide simple, pragmatic and risk-based advice that supports effective decision making.

You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders and translating legal complexity into practical outcomes across a large organisation.

This role will suit a lawyer who is ready to step away from the pace and structure of private practice and apply their expertise in a more relaxed in-house environment, without sacrificing on pay or the quality and intellectual complexity of work. You share our values and are motivated by the opportunity to have greater ownership of your matters, to see the impact of your advice, and to build a sustainable career in an idyllic regional setting.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A degree in Law with ideally 5+ years’ experience in employment or workplace law.
• Expertise interpreting enterprise agreements, awards, contracts and employment legislation.
• Proven experience managing complex investigations, disputes and tribunal matters.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
• The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier

Email: Jobs@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEST 28 April 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Position Description