Employee Relations Specialist

About the Organization

TAFE Queensland is recognized as the leading and most experienced provider of Vocational Education and Training in Queensland, operating for over 140 years. It offers practical and industry-oriented training to equip students with the skills necessary for lifelong careers. Training is conducted on campus, online, and within workplaces, supporting community enrichment and economic growth.

Role Overview

The Employee Relations Specialist will serve as a trusted advisor to senior managers and clients regarding workforce relations matters. Reporting to the Manager, Employee Relations, this permanent full-time role is mainly based at the Mount Gravatt campus, with occasional work at other locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer expert guidance and consultancy to executives, senior managers, and clients on workforce relations, including legislative compliance, policies, systems, and practices.
• Provide training, coaching, and support to employees and managers on workforce relations topics.
• Represent TAFE Queensland in tribunals such as the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and Public Service Commission to advocate the organization's interests.
• Lead high-level negotiations, including enterprise bargaining discussions.
• Manage project teams or staff in policy and program development, implementation, review, and reporting related to workforce relations.
• Formulate and assess policies and administrative procedures with innovative solutions addressing complex employment issues.
• Prepare official correspondence, briefings, and reports for leadership including the Minister and CEO on workforce relations matters.
• Build and maintain networks with clients, government agencies, unions, and external stakeholders to stay updated on human resource issues.
• Conduct ongoing research and analysis of contemporary government-wide HR practices focused on workforce relations.
• Exemplify leadership and ethical behavior, encouraging operational improvements within the team and organization.
• Support organizational transformation and culture by embodying values such as Safety First, Collaboration, Customer Focus, Accountability, and Initiative.

Candidate Assessment

• Strong knowledge of employment law, especially within Queensland's industrial framework and public sector.
• Relevant background in Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, or Human Resources.
• Experience or aptitude for advocacy in industrial tribunals like the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Fair Work Commission, or Human Rights Commissions.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills combined with excellent written and oral communication.
• Strong organizational capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving skills.

Application Instructions

• Interested candidates must submit a detailed resume.
• Include a cover letter addressing the assessment criteria outlined above, limited to two pages.
• Provide contact information for two referees, including the current supervisor.

Additional Information

This position is a permanent, full-time opportunity located primarily at Mount Gravatt, with potential work at other TAFE campuses. Interested applicants should submit their applications before 5:00 pm on Friday, 14 August 2026. For questions, contact Wesley Davey, Manager, Employee Relations.