Industrial Relations Principal Advisor

A leading government department in Brisbane is seeking an Industrial Relations Principal Advisor to join their Employee Relations team. This is a unique opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping industrial relations strategies across both Queensland and Commonwealth jurisdictions, including the management of multiple enterprise bargaining agreements. You will be at the forefront of providing authoritative advice on complex legislative matters, supporting major infrastructure projects, and drafting high-quality submissions for senior leadership teams and ministers. The organisation offers flexible working opportunities, generous pension contributions, and ongoing training to ensure your professional growth. If you are passionate about fostering positive workplace relationships and thrive in an environment where your expertise is valued, this role will provide you with the platform to make a meaningful impact. * You will have the chance to influence key industrial relations decisions that affect thousands of employees across Queensland and Commonwealth frameworks, ensuring compliance and best practice. * Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous pension contributions, and access to continuous training opportunities that support your career development and work-life balance. * Work within a knowledgeable and supportive team environment where your interpersonal skills and collaborative approach are highly valued, enabling you to build strong networks internally and externally.

What you'll do:

As an Industrial Relations Principal Advisor based in Brisbane, you will be responsible for delivering expert guidance on industrial relations matters across both state and federal jurisdictions. Your day-to-day activities will involve interpreting complex legislation such as the Fair Work Act 2009 and Queensland Industrial Relations Act 2016, advising on enterprise bargaining agreements, preparing submissions for government approval, and supporting major infrastructure projects through strategic contractor engagement. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders—including senior leadership teams—and external bodies to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining compliance with all relevant laws. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of industrial relations frameworks coupled with excellent communication skills to draft clear advice for decision-makers. Your ability to nurture relationships will be essential as you work together with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to foster a positive workplace culture.

• Provide comprehensive advice on the application of the Fair Work Act, modern awards, and enterprise agreements relevant to departmental activities, ensuring all guidance aligns with current legislation.
• Lead or advise on Government Owned Corporations enterprise bargaining processes, including developing strategy, drafting documentation, and liaising with central agencies to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Draft detailed submissions for government approval that clearly articulate industrial relations issues and proposed solutions.
• Prepare high-quality advice and submissions for senior leadership teams and ministers on complex industrial matters, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all communications.
• Support major infrastructure projects by advising on contractor engagement, right-of-entry procedures, consultation processes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships both within the department and with external bodies such as unions, regulatory authorities, and other government agencies.
• Manage sensitive industrial and workforce issues by developing, negotiating, and implementing appropriate strategies for timely resolution in collaboration with relevant parties.
• Interpret legislative requirements accurately to inform decision-making processes across various business units.
• Contribute to the development of policies that promote harmonious workplace relations while ensuring legal compliance.
• Participate actively in team meetings and cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving employee relations practices throughout the organisation.

What you bring:

To excel as an Industrial Relations Principal Advisor, you will bring extensive experience navigating both federal and state industrial relations frameworks. Your proven ability to interpret legislation such as the Fair Work Act 2009 will underpin your success when advising on enterprise bargaining agreements or resolving workforce disputes. You possess exceptional written communication skills that enable you to prepare detailed submissions for government approval as well as concise advice for senior leaders. Your interpersonal strengths allow you to build trust-based relationships with colleagues from various departments while also engaging effectively with external stakeholders like unions or regulatory bodies. A commitment to continuous learning ensures you stay abreast of legislative changes impacting employee relations practices. By leveraging your collaborative approach within a supportive team environment, you help create solutions that benefit both employees and organisational objectives.

• Minimum five years’ experience working in industrial relations across both federal (Fair Work Act) and Queensland State jurisdictions is required for this position.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying the Fair Work Act 2009 within large organisations or government departments is vital.
• Proven track record of providing strategic advice aligned with legislative requirements on complex industrial matters affecting multiple stakeholders.
• Experience developing comprehensive submissions for government approval that address intricate workforce issues.
• Ability to draft high-quality advice for senior leadership teams and ministers regarding industrial matters related to enterprise agreements or legislative changes.
• Skill in managing sensitive workforce issues by developing collaborative strategies for timely resolution through consultation with relevant parties.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling you to establish dependable relationships with internal teams as well as external bodies such as unions or regulatory authorities.
• Excellent written communication skills allowing you to prepare clear documentation suitable for executive audiences.
• Capacity to contribute positively within a communal team environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in training opportunities provided by the organisation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ryan McCarthy on 07 3032 2253 or ryan.mccarthy@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.