PRINCIPAL OFFICER EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Personnel Area: Corporate Services 

Branch: Employee Relations 

Salary Range: (Band 8) AUD $150,432.00 - $162,791.00 + superannuation (Remuneration stated is for the full-time positions) 

Work type: 2 x full-time temporary  positions for up to 2 years (extension/s thereafter but not guaranteed) 

Location: Hybrid – up to 50 percent working from home and remainder of time in Brisbane Square office, Brisbane CBD 

Our Business 

Brisbane City Council is one of the largest local governments in the Asia-Pacific region and one of Queensland’s largest employers. Together, we’re shaping a liveable, sustainable and well-connected city for more than one million residents. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, working together to deliver services that make a difference every day. 

Our Team 

Employee Relations (ER) supports the organisation to manage people and employment matters with confidence. We do this by delivering contemporary industrial arrangements, strategic advice and support, and practical solutions that build leader capability across the organisation. 

ER includes a HR Delivery function managed collaboratively through two teams, alongside Industrial Relations and Advice, Governance and Improvement, and Strategy and Business Services. We are seeking two dynamic Principal Officers to lead our HR Delivery teams, drive strategic, customer-focused outcomes, and build team capability for the future. 

The HR Delivery function provides:  

• end-to-end strategic case management of poor performance, misconduct, corrupt conduct, grievance, absenteeism and fit-for-role matters 
• coaching, education and strategic insight on employee relations matters 
• advice and support to leaders on organisational change. 

The Role 

In this role, you will lead the HR Delivery function to deliver high-quality and timely customer-focused services and practical employee relations solutions. You will partner with business areas to provide strategic and risk-based advice to support sustainable employee relations outcomes. 

You will lead, coach and develop a team of employee relations specialists, building capability and performance, while overseeing a varied caseload and providing guidance on complex issues. You will also drive service improvements and change initiatives across HR Delivery, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency. 

This is a rewarding leadership opportunity where you will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to identify trends, manage risks and implement proactive, data-informed strategies that support sustainable organisational outcomes. 

To be successful you will have: 

• Demonstrated experience leading HR service delivery or operations in a complex organisation 
• Strong leadership capability, with the ability to mentor, guide and develop team members 
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and deliver service improvements 
• Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills 
• Strong case management experience, with the ability to research, analyse and resolve complex issues 
• Substantial knowledge of employee relations frameworks with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, industrial principles and HR procedures 
• Demonstrated ability to analyse employee relations issues, trends and data, to develop insights, strategies and practical solutions 
• A strategic, data-driven and proactive approach, with a focus on continuous improvement and capability building. 
• Desirable: 

Possession of a tertiary and or post graduate qualification in the areas of business, law, commerce, or human resources. 

Benefits of working for Council include: 

• meaningful work that directly supports creating a productive and positive workforce for our city 
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace 
• flexible working hours, and flexible arrangements 
• Career development within a large, diverse organisation  
• free gym and wellness centre 
• award winning superannuation fund 
• generous leave provisions 
• competitive salary. 

Benefits of working for Council: CLICK HERE 

How to apply: Click on the 'I’m interested' button to complete your online application. Please upload your tailored resume and covering letter (of no more than one page) demonstrating your suitability to the position. 

A criminal history check is required for the preferred candidates  

Eligibility for internal only roles includes external applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and/or as a person living with a disability. Applicants from these groups are required to complete the diversity and inclusion questions on the application form to enable Council to determine eligibility. 

For more information: Please call Mina Manning on 07 3179 0989. 

People from diverse backgrounds, including those living with a disability and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who may have questions about the recruitment process or working at Council, are encouraged to reach out to the contact above, who can connect you with a member of Council’s Diversity and Inclusion team. 

Application Closing Date: Sunday 28 June 2026 at 11:55pm AEST. 

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.