Principal HR Business Partner

Position Type: Permanent Full Time – 9 Day Fortnight

Salary Range: LGO 8

($119,326 - $134,802 per annum + Superannuation)

Help Build a New Divisional HR Business Partner Team

Townsville City Council is transforming the way it supports its people, leaders and organisation.

As part of an exciting HR operating model review of HR services to Council, the People & Culture section has established a dedicated Workplace Relations team, bringing together specialist expertise across recruitment, business partnering, employee lifecycle management, workplace advisory, industrial relations, work capacity, and ethics and integrity.

At the heart of this transformation is the creation of a new Divisional HR Business Partnering function that will play a critical role in delivering strategic and operational HR support and supporting a culture of professionalism across the organisation.

We are now seeking a highly capable Principal HR Business Partner to join this newly established team and help shape its future.

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of Workplace Relations, you will operate as a trusted partner to senior leaders, delivering both strategic and operational HR advice across your portfolio.

You Will

• Partner with leaders to understand business challenges and translate these into effective people strategies
• Lead and manage complex employee relations matters, including investigations and disciplinary processes
• Provide expert advice on industrial relations, legislation and risk management
• Support organisational change initiatives and build leadership capability
• Use data and insights to guide decision-making and improve performance outcomes
• Drive consistent application of People & Culture frameworks, policies and practices across Council

Working closely with Workplace Relations, Planning, Environment & Lifestyle Division client group and broader People & Culture teams, you will ensure people matters are managed fairly, consistently and in line with legislative and organisational requirements.

Beyond case management, you will contribute to capability uplift, identify emerging workforce risks and trends, and support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen performance, accountability and service delivery across Council.

About You

You are an experienced HR professional with strong expertise in employee relations and a proven ability to operate in complex, fast-paced environments.

You Will Bring

• Demonstrated experience in HR/ER business partnering within a large or unionised organisation
• Strong capability in managing investigations and complex disciplinary matters
• Deep knowledge of industrial relations legislation, awards and agreements
• Proven ability to influence, coach and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical advice
• Excellent communication skills and a high level of professionalism, discretion and judgement

Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Law or a related discipline are highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a newly established, high-impact HR Business Partnering model
• Work on complex, meaningful people matters that influence organisational outcomes
• Join a large, diverse and community-focused organisation
• Enjoy a 9-day fortnight and a commitment to flexible working

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program
• The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Jacky Donald

Contact Email: ***email_hidden***

How To Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

Application Close: 11:45pm, Sunday 21 June 2026

For Further Information Review The Position Description.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected] or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.

Attachments

• Principal HR Business Partner - Position Description .pdf