Lead Workplace Relations Partner

• Full-time, ongoing position at HEW Level 9.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements
• Salary: $137,681 – $147,032 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead complex workplace relations, enterprise bargaining and employment matters across the University.

The Opportunity
You will lead complex and high-risk workplace relations matters across the University, providing authoritative advice that supports compliance, fair decision-making and effective organisational outcomes. You will work closely with senior and executive leaders to manage workplace disputes, grievances, disciplinary matters, misconduct, underperformance and workplace conflict.

You will support enterprise bargaining and lead related workplace relations activities, including the development of bargaining strategies and representation in negotiations. You will maintain productive relationships with unions and employee representatives, advise on the interpretation of industrial instruments, and support the effective implementation of enterprise agreements.

You will lead procedurally fair workplace investigations and contribute to workplace relations policies, procedures and frameworks. By analysing workplace trends and organisational data, you will identify emerging risks and develop practical initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, employee experience and the consistent application of employment frameworks.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver clear, authoritative advice on complex workplace relations matters while managing organisational risk.
• Support effective enterprise bargaining and maintain constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives.
• Resolve complex employee matters through timely, impartial and procedurally fair processes.
• Strengthen leadership capability in conflict resolution, performance management and employee engagement.
• Develop contemporary workplace relations policies and proactive responses to emerging industrial risks.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Law, Human Resource Management, Workplace Relations or a related discipline, with substantial relevant experience.
• Extensive experience leading complex workplace relations matters in a large organisation, including enterprise bargaining and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated expertise in Australian workplace relations frameworks, enterprise agreements and the application of industrial instruments.
• Proven experience conducting complex workplace investigations and representing an employer in bargaining or industrial tribunal proceedings.
• Highly developed analytical, negotiation, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders and build trusted stakeholder relationships.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Natasha Maiolo, Senior Employment Lawyer, via ********@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1565W
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 13 th September 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact ***************@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.