Senior Workplace Relations Adviser

The Senior Workplace Relations Adviser provides high-quality, client-focused workplace relations consultancy services, aligning with Council’s Corporate and People Plans. This role offers specialist advice and support to City leaders on employee relations, case management, industrial relations, performance improvement, and best practices. It also involves representation and advocacy in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, ensuring strategic and service delivery objectives are met.

Must Have

• Coordinate and manage workplace relations case management (discipline, grievances, performance management, disputes, rehabilitation, redeployment)
• Provide mentoring and specialist support to HR Business Partners on complex industrial and employee relations matters
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with unions and represent Council at consultative committees
• Represent Council in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, including arbitration
• Conduct investigations and provide balanced, legally sound advice to managers and employees
• Monitor employment law developments and emerging case law to mitigate organisational risk
• Review and update workplace relations policies and procedures
• Contribute to Council’s Fit for Work framework, including Drug and Alcohol Program implementation
• Improve case management reporting and assist in database development
• Bachelor degree in Human Resource Management or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of industrial and employment legislation and frameworks
• Demonstrated experience managing complex workplace relations cases
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with unions and senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, investigation and advisory skills

Perks & Benefits

• 10-day fortnight and 9-day fortnight option
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
• Personal and professional development courses
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

About your new role

The Senior Workplace Relations Adviser provides a client-focussed high quality workplace relations consultancy service to meet the strategic and service delivery objectives identified in Council’s Corporate Plan and People Plan.

The role provides City leaders with specialist knowledge, advice and support regarding employee relations issues, case management, industrial relations advice, performance improvement and best practice as well as providing representation and advocacy in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage workplace relations case management, including discipline, grievances, performance management, disputes, rehabilitation and redeployment
• Provide mentoring, coaching and specialist support to HR Business Partners on complex industrial and employee relations matters
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with unions and represent Council at consultative committees and meetings
• Represent Council in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, including arbitration
• Conduct investigations and provide balanced, legally sound advice to managers and employees
• Monitor employment law developments and emerging case law to mitigate organisational risk
• Review and update workplace relations policies and procedures
• Contribute to Council’s Fit for Work framework, including the implementation of a Drug and Alcohol Program
• Improve case management reporting and assist in the development of a case management database

We’re looking for people who have:

• Bachelor degree in Human Resource Management or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of industrial and employment legislation and frameworks
• Demonstrated experience managing complex workplace relations cases
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with unions and senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, investigation and advisory skills

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

• 10-day fortnight and 9-day fortnight option
• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
• Personal and professional development courses
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.

How to apply

To submit your application, please respond to the questions below. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Multiple positions may be available through this recruitment process. Appointment level and remuneration will be determined based on the successful applicant’s skills, experience and demonstrated capability. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person Dylan Stoddart

Contact Email dstoddart@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Closing Date Tuesday 20th January 2026 11:59pm

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We consider all qualified candidates for employment, irrespective of race, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics by law.