General Manager | Workplace Relations

Lead with integrity. Influence change. Champion fairness.

At Aruma, we’re more than a disability service provider — we’re a human rights organisation. We stand alongside more than 5,000 people across the east coast of Australia, supporting them to live great lives — the lives they choose.

We’re on a bold transformation journey, and we’re looking for a General Manager – Workplace Relations to be a strategic force in that change. This is a unique opportunity to lead the national IR/ER function of a complex, highly regulated and unionised environment — where your decisions influence not just workplace culture, but real human outcomes.

Why this role?

This Isn’t Just a HR Leadership Job — It’s a Rare Opportunity To Lead With Purpose, Strategy, And Legal Depth. You'll

• Own and lead Aruma’s national industrial and employee relations strategy.
• Drive and manage enterprise bargaining processes from end to end.
• Represent Aruma in the Fair Work Commission, navigating complex matters with credibility and confidence.
• Shape policy, ensure legislative compliance, and lead complex workplace investigations and grievance processes.
• Champion a constructive, people-first culture through proactive union engagement and direct leader coaching.
• Partner closely with the CPO, executive leaders, and the Board to influence organisational change.
• This role is perfect for a seasoned IR/ER professional or employment lawyer looking to step into a high-impact executive role with purpose.

This role is perfect for a seasoned IR/ER professional or employment lawyer looking to step into a high-impact executive role with purpose.

What You'll Do

As the General Manager – Workplace Relations, you will:

• Provide high-level strategic and tactical advice across all workplace relations matters.
• Lead a small team of expert advisors in supporting a national, multi-site workforce.
• Represent Aruma in conciliation, mediation, and hearing settings, including with the Fair Work Commission.
• Lead enterprise agreement negotiations and shape industrial strategy.
• Support major transformation projects, restructures, and strategic workforce initiatives.
• Influence the development of values-aligned people policies that support safety, inclusion and compliance.
• Act as the senior point of contact for union engagement, building strong, constructive relationships across multiple jurisdictions.
• Lead and resolve complex workplace matters, including sensitive investigations.
• Contribute to building a direct engagement culture, reducing unnecessary third-party intervention while uplifting leadership capability.

About You

You’re a strategic thinker, calm under pressure, and legally sharp — but just as importantly, you’re values-led. You also bring:

You’re a Strategic Thinker, Calm Under Pressure, And Legally Sharp — But Just As Importantly, You’re Values-led. You Also Bring

• 10+ years’ experience in senior workplace relations, employment law, or industrial strategy roles.
• A relevant degree in Law, Industrial Relations, HR, or related field is preferred but not mandatory
• Proven experience in enterprise bargaining, union negotiation, and representing organisations at the Fair Work Commission.
• A strong grasp of Fair Work legislation, Awards, NES, and best-practice industrial principles.
• Confidence in providing advice to senior executives and Boards on risk and compliance.
• Leadership experience — you’ve built high-performing teams and coached others through change.
• A mindset that balances compliance with compassion — ensuring every policy, decision or conversation is rooted in respect.

Why Aruma?

At Aruma, We’re Building Something Different — And We Want Bold, Brave Leaders To Help Us Do It. You’ll Enjoy

• A senior leadership role in a growing, progressive and purpose-driven organisation.
• A flexible working environment with national reach and executive visibility.
• Generous salary packaging options, leave benefits and development opportunities.
• A People & Culture team that’s collaborative, curious, and driven by genuine impact.
• A chance to shape how thousands of staff across Australia experience work — every day.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe human rights, respect and equality are for everyone. Aruma is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from people with disability, First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Apply Now

If you're ready to use your legal, IR or ER expertise to shape systems, protect people and influence change, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact [email protected] for a confidential conversation.

We will review applications as they are received and aim to appoint a suitable candidate as soon as possible. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and will be required to undergo pre-employment probity checks.