Senior Advisor, Workplace Relations

• Competitive remuneration + 17% superannuation
• Full-time, Fixed term, 12-month position
• On-campus amenities including a gym, medical centre, and childcare facilities

Reference: 1635548

About the Role

Are you experienced in workplace relations and well-versed in the Australian industrial relations framework? Do you have a solid understanding of the National Employment Standards, along with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, industrial instruments, employment conditions, HR policies and procedures? If so, we invite you to become a key contributor to a collaborative, forward-thinking team at Curtin.

As a Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, you’ll partner closely with stakeholders across the university, using your negotiation skills, emotional intelligence and strong understanding of workplace legislation to resolve complex matters. You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance while fostering fair, effective outcomes that support both people and policy.

In this dynamic role, you’ll:

• Collaborate with a skilled and supportive team to continue building your expertise from day one
• Drive continuous improvement across Curtin’s People and Culture division by contributing to best practice solutions
• Manage and support the resolution of complex workplace disputes including conducting investigations, facilitating mediation and providing detailed written advice to senior leaders
• Work with Health & Safety and the Integrity Standards Unit (ISU) to proactively address psychosocial concerns within the university community
• Communicate complex advice and tailored solutions clearly and professionally

We’re looking for someone with a passion for creating a positive workplace culture and ideally, someone who has completed a relevant legal qualification or brings a strong blend of training and experience in the field.

Your responsibilities will include

The Senior Advisor will be responsible for offering specialist advice and support, in turn fostering productive engagement and relationships with university stakeholders. This will include managing complex issues and complaints, interpreting our University’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, and providing support to the University’s Enterprise Bargaining team to ensuring quality solutions in these cases.

The Workplace Relations Team sits within our wider

People and Culture division, supporting through expert people policy development, providing advice to the team and the diverse range of managers and leaders across the Curtin network.

Who we are looking for/Selection Criteria

1.Workplace Relations Expertise

Proven experience providing high-level advice on employee and industrial relations, workplace investigations, enterprise bargaining, and interpreting legislation and industrial instruments with sound knowledge of employment law and enterprise agreements.

2.Strategic Business Partnering

Ability to build strong relationships with line managers and senior leaders to address immediate people needs and align initiatives with long-term organisational goals.

3.End-to-End HR Lifecycle Support

Experience supporting all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, mobility, injury management, diversity and inclusion, and capability development.

4.Data-Driven Insights and Continuous Improvement

Strong analytical skills with the ability to use HR data and reporting to drive decisions and support continuous improvement in service delivery.

5.Change and Capability Leadership

Experience supporting change initiatives and enhancing leadership capability through practical coaching and advice.

6.Collaboration and Team Contribution

Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary HR team, contributing to shared goals and service improvements.

7.Digital Fluency and Process Innovation

Understanding of digital HR tools and strategies to streamline support for line managers and improve user experience.

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Law will be highly regarded. Qualifications in IR, HR or related fields may be considered.

Role Requirements

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role

• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You

This Fixed term G08 level role attracts a remuneration of $119, 125 – $126,950 (G08) salary plus 17% superannuation

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on ***email_hidden*** or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Sunday 5th of July 2026.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.