Our client operates within the tertiary education sector with a strong focus on higher learning and a broad range of interconnected teaching and intellectual activities. They are positioned within international networks of indigenous tertiary institutions and contributes to the development of global standards in indigenous education, teaching excellence, and scholarly endeavour.
They are seeking a highly experienced and values‑driven Head of Employment Relations to provide strategic leadership and stewardship of employment relations across our organisation.
The Opportunity
This senior leadership role is responsible for leading employment relations strategy, practice, and system‑level influence across the business. You will mentor and uplift a team of specialist practitioners while partnering closely with leaders, unions, and key stakeholders to ensure employment relations practice is future‑focused, legally sound, culturally grounded, and aligned with their objectives.
This role deliberately balances strategic leadership, operational oversight, and innovation, providing influence at both regional and organisational levels.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Risk Stewardship
- Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on complex, high‑risk, and sensitive employment matters
- Shape and oversee employment relations frameworks, ensuring legislative compliance and cultural integrity
- Monitor sector trends and legislative change to inform workforce strategy and planning
- Lead continuous improvement, innovation, and data‑informed decision‑making in ER practice
People Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Employment Relations team
- Build ER capability across leaders through coaching, guidance, and proactive support
- Ensure consistent, high‑quality documentation and advice that withstands legal scrutiny
Employment Relations & Union Engagement
- Lead collective bargaining, consultation, and change processes
- Build and maintain strong, transparent, and respectful relationships with unions and representatives
- Oversee the management and resolution of complex employment disputes and organisational risk
Organisational Leadership
- Act as a strategic partner and internal subject matter experts
- Build collaborative relationships that strengthen cohesion and performance
- Represent the organisation in sector forums and ER networks
About You
You are an accomplished employment relations leader with a strong grounding in employment law, collective bargaining, and complex dispute resolution, and you lead with integrity, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence.
You will bring:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Law (Employment Law preferred) or equivalent
- 7+ years’ experience leading a complex HR / Employment Relations function
- 5+ years’ experience leading and mentoring specialist teams
- Proven experience representing organisations in Mediation and the Employment Relations Authority
- Advanced influencing, negotiation, and coaching capability
- A strong understanding of strategy development and implementation
Why Join?
Within this organisation, you will be part of a values driven organisation committed to transformational education and relationships. This role offers the opportunity to shape employment relations practice at a system level while supporting the wellbeing, and capability of our people.
How to Apply
If you are a strategic, principled, and values‑led employment relations leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applications will be assessed as they are received.
