Employment Relations Principal

About the role:

It is an exciting time to join us. We are embarking on a new long-term strategy, Thrive2035, which will see us deliver on our purpose to manage water services sustainably to make WA a great place to live and invest, and our vision for our people, communities, and the state. We have a clear direction and are passionate about the journey ahead.

We have an opportunity for a Principal - Employment Relations Specialist to join our Employment Relations team on a permanent basis. As a key member of the ER team, reporting to the Manager- Employment Relations your main responsibility will be to support and work with the manager to identify employee engagement risks and opportunities, enabling the organisation to deliver a superior and relevant employee experience whilst mitigating and addressing risk.   

In this hands-on role, you’ll provide specialist advice on employment and industrial relations issues including complex case management, disputes, industrial instruments and policies, employment legislation compliance and contractor workplace relations due diligence. Add to this, the opportunity to be a key member of the EA bargaining team, manage external employee claims and engage with unions.

Working as part of a supportive & diverse team, you’ll pick up fresh insights from a group of ER professionals and you’ll have the opportunity to continue developing your skills on a variety of ER matters and projects.

Other key elements of the role include:

• Identify industrial issues and risks proactively and ensure effective solutions are delivered before they impact the business.
• Advise on all aspects of employee and industrial relations, including complex case management, termination of employment and associated risk, contractor workplace relations due diligence, disputes and compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other employment-related legislation.
• Coach and provide advice on the interpretation of enterprise agreements, modern awards, and employment contracts.
• Support employment litigation in the Fair Work Commission and other relevant employment and equal opportunity tribunals.
• Be a key member of the EA bargaining team, including supporting the development and execution of the EA bargaining strategy.
• Drive the effective implementation of employment policy changes within the Corporation.
• Draft papers to the People & Safety Committee, Board and Executive Team on Employment Relations initiatives.

About you:

As a seasoned ER professional, you will be degree-qualified in industrial relations, employment law or a related discipline and have substantial experience within a similar role, with a strong understanding of relevant industrial and employment legislation.  

Your strong influencing and negotiating skills will be key to interfacing with external stakeholders including employee organisations. You will have practical experience in interfacing with the Fair Work Commission in respect of claims and disputes.

This integral role requires you to build trust and credibility with internal stakeholders to provide advice on complex issues. As a senior member of the ER team, you will provide mentorship and development for others within the team.

Great benefits on offer include:

• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Two well-being leave days
• Flexible working options
• Pro-rata long service leave after 3 years’ service
• 2% Super co-contribution
• Plus more!

Applications close 1st April 2024

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete Pre-Employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check. 

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments, or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, can contact a Recruitment Officer at ***********@watercorporation.com.au or 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website