Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia | Canberra, Australia

Job No: APTAV101331#047

Join a purpose led, experienced team of Employment Relations professionals in a fast-paced industrial environment

Develop and implement ER strategies to enhance employee engagement with dedicated client portfolios

ACU offers 17% employer superannuation, salary packaging and generous leave provisions

Full-time, continuing role based at our North Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra campus with flexible working conditions

About the role:

As Senior Employment Relations (ER) Consultant, you will provide high level support and advice to university management and People and Capability (P&C) staff relating to ER matters, actively contributing to the development and implementation of ER strategies, creating an environment that enhances employee engagement and supports the university's strategic direction for Vision 2033.

Key focus areas:

Build strong working relationships based on credibility and open communication to enable the provision of accurate and proactive advice to leaders, the P&C team and key stakeholders;

Develop, update and manage the implementation of ER frameworks, policies and enterprise bargaining activities to support the university's strategic direction and fulfill legislative, industrial and employer responsibilities;

Manage complex ER matters and as appropriate, partnership with respective P&C teams on case management and investigations, disciplinary action and representing the University in the Fair Work Commission in matters relating to unfair dismissal, general protections and bullying;

Develop and deliver ER presentations and information sessions to educate and inform leaders on best employment practices.

For full position details, refer to the position description.

About you:

An expert in employment relations, you thrive in a purpose led and collaborative environment where you can support and enable others;

Highly developed interpersonal, relationship management and conflict resolution skills, supporting your ability to effectively liaise, consult and influence a wide range of stakeholders;

Extensive experience in providing strategic and tactical advice on industrial instruments and employment regulations, to reach solutions that are both compliant and commercially viable;

Demonstrated success in managing union relationships, disputes and enterprise bargaining activities;
Experience in representing your employer within various industrial commissions and tribunals and briefing legal representation;

Relevant tertiary qualifications and can hit the ground running in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Contact:

General enquiries can be sent to Tamara Talmacs, National Manager, Employment Relations at: [email protected]

What we offer:

The University pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.

Total remuneration valued to $160,095 - $170,833 total rem (pro rata) pa, including salary component $135,360 - $144,538 (pro rata) pa (HEW 9), employer contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.

Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.

As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include but not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process

Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including your:

resume (maximum 5 pages).

responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.

brief online responses to any pre-screening employment questions.

Previous applicants need not reapply

Applications close: 21-SEP-2025 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time

Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent/ continuing roles, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and Citizenship(homeaffairs.gov.au)

Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers

ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements in confidence.

About ACU:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses - Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome.

ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU.

As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.

ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.