"Senior Workplace Relations Specialist"

Senior Workplace Relations Specialist

Full-time, Continuing Appointment

Reference number: 151069959

About the position

As Australia’s first private, not-for-profit university, Bond University based in Robina on the Gold Coast seeks to be recognised internationally as a leading independent university, imbued with a spirit to innovate, a commitment to influence and a dedication to inspire tomorrow's professionals who share a personalised and transformational student experience.

• Lead the resolution of high-stakes workplace matters with impact and integrity
• Shape and implement industrial strategies that foster workforce success
• Drive policy, compliance, and enterprise bargaining initiatives that influence university-wide change

Senior Workplace Relations Specialist

People and Talent Office

Full-time, Continuing Appointment

Position Reference No: 151069959

Join Australia’s top university for teaching* and enjoy staff benefits including:

• Free staff car parking
• 36.75 hour standard work week
• Access to flexible work/work from home arrangements#
• Up to 18/26 weeks of parental leave#
• Salary packaging options for FBT and Non-FBT items#
• 17.5% of base salary leave loading
• Staff wellbeing program
• Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program available for all staff
• Study assistance for staff and dependents#
• Corporate health and finance discounts
• Onsite Medical Centre and Counselling Services
• Onsite Sports Centre including gym, fitness classes and pool#

As the Senior Workplace Relations Specialist, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping Bond University’s employment practices and strategy to support a fair, compliant, and forward-thinking workplace culture. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, you will provide expert guidance and workplace relations support across the University, ensuring alignment with legislation, industrial instruments, and internal policies. Strategic insight will be instrumental in fostering a culture grounded in fairness, transparency, and proactive risk management.

This senior-level position leads the resolution of complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including investigations, performance matters, and enterprise bargaining. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the role contributes directly to change management and delivers high-impact outcomes aligned with the University’s workforce objectives. Working closely with senior leaders in the People & Talent team and key stakeholders across the University, this position holds significant influence over the employee experience and contributes to broader institutional success.

Responsibility also extends to developing policies, resources, and capability-building initiatives that enhance workplace relations practices across the organisation. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role ensures alignment with broader governance and compliance frameworks.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a workplace relations professional to influence strategic outcomes at one of Australia’s leading universities.

About the person

We are looking for a values based and forward-thinking professional who thrives in complex environments and brings a strong foundation in workplace relations, ideally within a higher education, government, healthcare or similarly regulated setting. You will be a confident communicator, trusted advisor, and strategic thinker who can influence at the highest levels and drive change with integrity and empathy. You’ll be at your best when working collaboratively across HR, legal, and executive teams, managing competing priorities and complex stakeholder needs and translating legislation and policy into practical, people-focused solutions.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant qualifications in law, HR, industrial relations, or a related field (postgraduate highly regarded)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in workplace/industrial relations within a complex organisation
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, enterprise agreements, and dispute resolution
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on enterprise bargaining, change, and policy development
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills to support strategic decision-making
• Strong aptitude for working collaboratively in a small team

Salary details

The salary for the position will be commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience, plus 12% superannuation.

Additional information

Bond University will be supported by Slade Group for this executive search. For a confidential discussion and to receive the Position Description, please contact Andrew Barr at [email protected] or phone 0400 762 660.

Application and submission details

To apply for this role, please visit sladegroup.com.au and click on Current Opportunities.

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 10 August 2025.

Applicants must have current work rights in Australia at the time of application. This status will be verified as part of the recruitment process.

Please note, the successful applicant will be required to produce a certified copy of their highest qualification received prior to commencement of duty.

Conditions of employment are offered under a Bond Workplace Agreement (BWA).

Bond University is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage our students and staff to respect individuality, inclusiveness and diversity. In line with Bond University’s values, people from diverse backgrounds, women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQ+, and people with a disability are encouraged to apply for positions at the University.

Please advise the Talent Acquisition Team if you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you at anytime during the recruitment process.

For more information, visit Supporting diversity at Bond | Bond University | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

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*Australian Financial Review’s Best Universities Ranking 2024