McArthur is partnering with a major Federal Government department to identify an experienced EL2 Director - Workplace Relations and HR Policy.

This is a senior and highly specialised opportunity for an experienced workplace relations leader with strong Commonwealth Government experience in enterprise bargaining, enterprise agreement implementation and strategic HR policy.

The position is initially offered for 12 months with a genuine pathway to permanency. Permanent appointment may also be considered for the right candidate.

The opportunity

As Director, you will lead a specialist Workplace Relations and HR Policy function and provide authoritative advice to senior executives, managers and employees on complex employment framework and workplace relations matters.

You will play a key role in managing and embedding the department's Enterprise Agreement and ensuring HR policies and employment practices remain contemporary, compliant and effectively implemented.

Responsibilities will include:

• providing high-level specialist advice on workplace relations, employment legislation and HR policy;
• leading the implementation and ongoing embedding of Enterprise Agreement provisions;
• representing the department in high-level workplace relations discussions, negotiations and bargaining activities;
• developing and maintaining productive relationships with unions and other key stakeholders;
• engaging with organisations including the Australian Public Service Commission and Fair Work Commission;
• leading the development, amendment and implementation of departmental HR policies;
• proactively identifying and addressing enterprise-level workplace relations risks and emerging issues;
• managing consultation and employee engagement regarding workplace policies and EA changes;
• preparing complex and sensitive briefs, reports and advice for senior executives;
• providing strategic leadership and direction to the workplace relations function; and
• coaching, developing and leading staff within a complex and changing environment.

About you

This is a specialist workplace relations role rather than a generalist HR leadership position.

To be competitive, you will need substantial and recent experience across workplace relations and industrial relations within a complex organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• significant specialist workplace relations and employee relations experience;
• direct experience with 2023 enterprise agreement bargaining and implementation in a complex environment;
• strong knowledge of Commonwealth employment frameworks, legislation and industrial instruments;
• experience interpreting, implementing and embedding enterprise agreement provisions;
• demonstrated experience engaging and negotiating with unions;
• experience liaising with the Australian Public Service Commission, Fair Work Commission and other relevant stakeholders;
• demonstrated leadership of HR policy development, review and implementation;
• the ability to provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive workforce matters;
• strong written communication and briefing capability;
• demonstrated experience leading and developing teams; and
• HR qualifications or equivalent substantial experience, with a strong workplace relations focus.

Current APS EL2s, experienced EL1s operating at a senior workplace relations level, and candidates with recent Commonwealth enterprise bargaining experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping workplace relations and HR policy within a major Commonwealth department while influencing enterprise-level workforce outcomes.

Applications are being reviewed immediately. If you have substantial Commonwealth workplace relations and enterprise bargaining experience, please apply with your current resume.