"Specialist Consultant, Workplace Relations"

Job Description

• Chief Operating Officer Portfolio
• Full-time, permanent position
• HEW 9 position. The total package may include an annual market loading amount in addition to the base salary, increasing your total remuneration dependant on skills and experience. This will be discussed as part of the interview process.
• Based at our St. Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Are you ready to play a key role in shaping workplace culture at one of Australia’s leading universities? We’re seeking a Specialist Consultant, Workplace Relations to provide expert, strategic advice on a wide range of complex employee relations matters across UQ.

This is a high-impact opportunity to partner with senior leaders, influence policy, support organisational change, and lead the resolution of sensitive workplace issues with professionalism and care. You’ll work at the forefront of employment relations in the higher education sector – where you’ll be interpreting agreements, advocating before tribunals, and contributing to the development of UQ’s enterprise bargaining strategy.

If you’re passionate about creating fair and sustainable workplace outcomes and thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment, we encourage you to apply.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and staff on complex workplace relations matters, including grievances, performance management, and conduct issues.
• Lead and support organisational change initiatives, ensuring compliance with consultation obligations and successful implementation.
• Develop and review HR policies, and contribute to enterprise bargaining processes, including negotiations with unions and advocate before external tribunals.
• Design and deliver training programs to build capability in workplace relations matters across UQ.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world. Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% employer superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking
• Salary packaging options

About You

• A relevant qualification in Human Resources, Law or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in workplace or employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian industrial relations framework, including interpreting enterprise agreements, legislation and HR policy.
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and providing specialist advice on performance, conduct, and ill or injured employee matters.
• Excellent communication and advisory skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility across all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrated capability in designing and delivering workplace relations training to both staff and managers.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, underpinned by a commitment to equity, fairness and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia, criminal check and a qualifications check. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume, A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section. Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role. Applications close Sunday 14 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54786).