Associate Director, Workplace Relations

Full Time Continuing Opportunity

Lead Usyd’S Strategic Workplace Relations Advisory And Complaints And Conduct Teams And Shape A Culture Of People Centric And Organisationally Relevant Resolutions To Complex People Management Issues

Offering A Competitive Remuneration Package Including 17% Superannuation

About The Opportunity

The Associate Director, Workplace Relations, is responsible for strategically leading and directing the well-established and highly regarded teams within the Workplace Relations and Compliance Directorate, that provide timely, consistent, and high-quality workplace relations advice; and complaint resolution services. This role involves developing and managing effective workplace relations strategies and engaging with managers to enhance their understanding of the Enterprise Agreement, its application, and related policies.  The role also includes delivering client education initiatives on University procedures and early resolution techniques for workplace conflicts, grievances, and complaints. It will also have responsibility for the management of the Central and First Nations Joint Consultative Committees and ensure the smooth and effective operation of these important bodies.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work with others to redefine the industrial relations strategy for the University as it heads into the next round of Enterprise Bargaining and next phase of its Strategy;
• provide thought and career leadership to the team you manage and broader Workplace Relations team;
• provide impactful and tactical workplace relations advice to senior management and leaders lead the strategic approach to service delivery, fostering a culture of collaboration and ensuring service needs are anticipated, understood, and met with excellence
• collaborate with Senior Managers and the broader HR team, to identify and influence opportunities to improve practices and policies, ensuring the effective delivery of this Centre of Expertise service 
• work closely with academic and professional staff to embed best practices and improve workplace relations in a time of increasing regulatory pressure and change
• set a development and succession plan for the teams reporting to youapply a practical and thorough understanding of the University of Sydney Enterprise Agreement to ensure effective delivery of your service line
• provide strategic leadership by leading teams and setting strategic direction within your team
• focus on enhancing processes, frameworks, and service delivery through ongoing evaluation and refinement to contribute to broader University goals and frameworks, and ensure compliance
• exercise your independent judgement and provide strategic and operational advice
• work with the Associate Director Workplace Compliance and Policy, to oversee the review and implementation of updated workplace relations policies, procedures, and systems, and strengthen governance frameworks.

About You

• post graduate qualifications in Business, Human Resources or a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience 
• demonstrable and recent experience leading a team of industrial relations/workplace relations practitioners in a large complex environment whilst managing personal energy and resilience, demonstrating strong organisational skills, and balancing multiple priorities to achieve deadlines
• comprehensive experience working in a unionised environment with complex industrial instruments and associated policies
• experience working with internal/external legal teams and in preparing for hearings, appearances at tribunals etc
• proven capacity to provide collaborative HR leadership, including leadership of direct reports, staff and peers, in order to deliver workforce goals and to provide optimal quality, service and impact.
• demonstrated delivery of operational excellence and experience developing fit for purpose HR solutions that work towards an aspirational culture and meet the needs of the organisational goals and customers
• prior experience in a ‘business partnering’ environment and an ability to build individual and team capabilities and deliver collaborative achievements and shared goals. 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-Employment Checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

Eeo Statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How To Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Toby Berryman, Recruitment Operations by email to toby.berryman@sydney.edu.au .

• © The University of Sydney
• The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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