Senior Employee & Workplace Relations Advisor

Make your mark where it matters most

This is a senior, specialist role for an experienced Employee & Workplace Relations professional who thrives on complexity, judgement, and impact.

As Senior Employee & Workplace Relations Advisor, you will be the trusted expert supporting leaders through high-risk, end to end ER and IR matters, from misconduct and investigations through to industrial instruments, union engagement, and tribunal preparation.

This is not a generalist HR role.
This is a hands-on, specialist ER/IR position where your expertise, confidence and credibility truly matter.

What you’ll be responsible for

You will lead and manage end-to-end employee and workplace relations matters, including:

• Managing complex ER cases from start to finish, including:
• Misconduct, performance management and disciplinary matters
• Grievances, investigations, and workplace conflict
• Providing expert advice on:
• Fair Work Act, employment legislation, and case law
• Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and industrial instruments
• Supporting leaders to confidently manage ER issues with consistency, fairness, and compliance
• Preparing documentation and supporting matters involving external counsel, unions, or industrial tribunals
• Assessing risk, identifying trends and contributing to improvements in ER frameworks, policies and practices
• Partnering closely with People & Culture colleagues while operating as the ER subject-matter expert

What we’re looking for

You are a seasoned ER/IR practitioner who brings both technical depth and pragmatic judgement.

You will ideally bring:

• Demonstrated experience in a senior Employee Relations or Workplace Relations role
• Proven capability managing complex ER matters end-to-end with minimal supervision
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Fair Work Act and employment legislation
• Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and industrial instruments
• Experience supporting or preparing matters for:
• Investigations, mediations, or tribunals (e.g. Fair Work Commission)
• The confidence to advise, challenge and coach leaders at all levels
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Tertiary qualifications in HR, Industrial Relations, Employment Law or a related discipline (desirable)

Why you’ll want this role

• True ER autonomy; own matters from start to finish
• Senior-level work; complex cases, not low-risk transactions
• Trusted advisor role; influence outcomes and build leader capability
• Supportive P&C environment with access to legal advice when required
• Flexible working arrangements and a values-led culture
• Competitive salary aligned to senior ER expertise

About us:

We are proud to be a leading education provider with a strong reputation for delivering high quality educational outcomes.

Our organisation comprises of Box Hill Institute (Box Hill & Lilydale locations) and Centre for Adult Education (Melbourne CBD) as well as partnerships across various external sites in Victoria.

We are committed to a highly motivated and aligned workforce, so we’ll be by your side to enable you, help you grow, and offer you benefits which enhance your work life balance.

Why work with us?

We offer more than just a job; we offer benefits to enhance your work life, help you grow, and celebrate your achievements. This includes but is not limited to:

• Flexible work arrangements
• On-site parking
• Career progression opportunities and reward & recognition programs
• Generous leave options such as Defence Reserve Service, Emergency Response, up to 20 days paid Family Violence leave and up to 16 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Access to health & wellbeing benefits and resources, including FREE flu-vaccinations, FREE skin checks, FREE health checks and corporate health insurance discounts
• Novated leasing and salary packaging
• Support student learning at our Barbershop with $5 haircuts, shaves and grooming as well as discounted treatments at our Day Spa and Beauty Salons located at our Elgar campus
• Discounts on CAE/Box Hill Institute short courses for staff and their immediate family as well as discounted access to our floristry, beauticians, restaurant, Vet & dog grooming

APPLY NOW

All applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter and current resume.

For specific enquiries relating to this position, please contact Sarah Barsoum, Manager – People & Culture Business Partnering via sarah.barsoum@boxhill.edu.au.

Applications close: 5:00pm, Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Please note, we will be assessing applications as they come in, this position may be filled before the closing date.

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

Box Hill Institute is a welcoming, safe and respectful work environment. We are work-life friendly and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply for our vacancies.

Box Hill Institute is a Child Safe Organisation and has a zero tolerance towards the harm or abuse of children and young people. We believe that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. All employees, volunteers, contractors and service providers are required to promote a culture of child safety, comply with the Child Safe Standards and other relevant legislation and reporting obligations of suspected child abuse as per the Institute’s Child Safety Policy and Procedures. All employees are required to hold and maintain a current, valid Working with Children Check for the duration of their employment at their own expense.

Candidates for employment at Box Hill Institute will be subject to pre-employment probity checks, and must satisfy Box Hill Institute’s pre-conditions for employment.

Box Hill Institute reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.