Workplace Relations Specialist

Reference Number:53780:Workplace Relations Specialist

Employment Type:Fixed Term Full Time (FT)

Location:Northern Health (All Campuses)

About Northern Health

As an organisation we have a clear focus on how we service and partner with our community, including our strategy of helping the community stay well when at home. Our reputation of community minded, inclusive and progressive is matched to none.

Northern Health is located in the rapidly growing northern suburbs with projected growth the biggest in the state. With a booming, culturally rich and diverse community, and less than an hour’s drive from the CBD (still within the bounds of Myki and ride-sharing), Melbourne’s North is fast becoming the place to be.

Northern Health are seeking applications from motivated and suitably experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to join the Human Resources team within the People and Culture division.

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute, mental health, specialist, community and home-based services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer north.

Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals and Kilmore District Hospital. In addition, Mental Health Services are provided at Epping, Broadmeadows, Jacana, Preston, Mill Park, Mernda and Coburg.

About the Role

This role forms part of the Human Resources Business Partner team and is responsible for the operational support of workplace and industrial relations across multiple Enterprise Bargaining Agreements which are operational at Northern Health.

This role is responsible for delivery of contemporary workplace and industrial relations services across the organisation and contributes to ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, enterprise agreements (including both interpretation and implementation), awards and public sector employment frameworks, while supporting the provision of accurate, pragmatic and high-quality advice.

The Workplace Relations Specialist provides expert advice and operational support to People & Culture, executive leaders and managers on a range of industrial and employee relations matters, including enterprise bargaining, dispute resolution, disciplinary processes and complex case management. It assists in the development and maintenance of frameworks and processes relating to performance management, workforce change and employee relations to ensure legislative compliance and consistency in application.

The role contributes to the development and implementation of workplace relations policies, procedures and strategies aligned with organisational objectives, promoting positive employee relations and minimising legal and industrial risk.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, Employment Law, Human Resources, or a related discipline (postgraduate qualifications desirable).
• Experience and good working knowledge of Victorian and Commonwealth workplace legislation, including industrial instruments relevant to the public health sector.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, grievances, workplace investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated experience leading workplace/industrial relations and employee relations functions within a large, complex and unionised organisation, preferably within the public health sector.
• Well-developed interpersonal, leadership and people management skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management of staff.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and integrity when managing sensitive and complex workplace matters.

Next Steps . . .

If this opportunity sounds like the next step in your career, then we would love to hear from you. Please click on the 'Apply' button and follow the prompts.

For further details, please refer to the Position Description. Alternatively, you can contact Laura Defazio, Manager Human Resources, via email ***email_hidden*** or phone on 0418 187 303.

Applications close 30 June 2026

Shortlisting will commence immediately for this vacancy. If an appropriate candidate is sourced, the advertising may close early, thus we advise you to apply right away.

Why work at the Northern Health?

NH offer a range of benefits which support and reward staff both personally and professionally.

Our staff benefits include award winning facilities and campus partnerships, Professional development and events, an award-winning Health and wellbeing program and financial benefits.

• Health and Wellbeing programs, including our new ‘Thrive’ program
• Flexibility in the workplace and extra leave options and support
• An inclusive and culturally safe space
• Access to salary packaging & EAP
• Comprehensive Library services for learning, research, clinical decision-making, leisure and wellbeing (onsite and online)

Work with us! Northern Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as applicants who are LGBTIQ+, who have different abilities, or are from culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds are encouraged.