Principal Consultant Industrial Relations

For over 240 years combined, Berry Street and Yooralla have been at the forefront of supporting Australians with a disability and those experiencing poverty, violence and abuse. Now, as one unified organisation, we bring together unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and families to thrive, while upholding and championing their human rights. We believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to live the fulfilling life they choose for themselves, free from the impacts of trauma, violence, and abuse, achieved safely and with dignity.

The Opportunity

• Full time, Permanent role
• Competitive salary + Salary packaging
• Hybrid role - WFH 3 days a week

The Principal Consultant, Industrial Relations leads the organisation’s IR strategy, providing expert advice on workforce planning, employee bargaining, and industrial legislation. The role supports operational needs, guides P&C leaders and business partners, and fosters strong union and employee relationships to promote a positive, Just Culture.

Employee and Industrial Relations Strategy:

This role leads the development and execution of the organisation’s industrial relations strategy, including enterprise agreement renewals and union negotiations. It plays a key part in workforce advocacy, engages with external stakeholders, and supports senior leaders through strategic advice and briefings to represent the organisation in key forums.

• Expert Advice and Coaching:

The role involves providing expert industrial relations advice to senior leaders, managing disputes and grievances, and enhancing organisational capability through training. It oversees relationships with external legal advisors, supports HR Business Partners on complex IR matters, and guides them through Fair Work conciliation processes, including submission preparation.

• Industrial Relations Compliance Assurance:

This role ensures compliance with industrial relations legislation by reviewing relevant laws, advising on risks, and aligning People and Culture policies with legal standards. It also supports policy harmonisation across the organisation, monitors IR trends, and provides strategic insights to the executive and board.

Key Accountabilities:

• Drive the development and execution of enterprise bargaining strategies and high-level negotiations, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and compliance with industrial relations legislation.
• Provide strategic oversight of compliance with industrial relations laws and regulations, offering expert guidance to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with unions, employee representatives, and internal stakeholders to support a positive and proactive industrial relations environment.
• Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex industrial issues, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and organisational planning.

About You

You will be a confident and strategic industrial relations professional who thrives in complex environments. To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Strategic insight and legislative expertise, with the ability to interpret and apply industrial relations laws to support organisational goals.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, enabling you to influence, negotiate, and build trust across all levels.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using data and insight to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Proven negotiation skills and emotional intelligence, especially in high-pressure or sensitive industrial relations contexts.
• Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to results, consistently aligning your work with organisational values and long-term success.
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s qualification in a relevant discipline ideally in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, Business Administration, or a related field. 

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a diverse and innovative team that’s dedicated to making a difference.
• Career Development: We support continuous learning and provide opportunities to develop your skills and career.

Interested?

Applications close at 11pm, Sunday 6 July 2025.

Click apply now to submit your resume and cover letter addressing the experience and capabilities section is essential.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications as received and this role will only be open until we have found the right candidate! If you are considering applying, we strongly recommend you do as soon as possible.

Berry Street Yooralla is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

We believe in diversity, inclusion and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of the Victorian community. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings, and in turn encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies. We strongly encourage people with disability, LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands People to apply. 

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability. You'll receive adjustments and support throughout the whole process — from the application stage to starting in the workplace. If you require the position description in a different format or any accommodation or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively email recruitment@berrystreet.org.au or call 9421 9379.