Associate Director, Employee Relations

• Senior position in the HR Leadership Team
• Full-time appointment on a permanent/ongoing basis
• Competitive salary including 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team
Human Resources (HR) function plays a critical role managing and developing UWA’s academic and professional workforce, organisational capability and culture to ensure UWA’s success and sustainable growth. The overarching role of HR is to align UWA’s human resources with its strategic objectives, cultivate a positive work environment and ensure UWA staff have access to the necessary support, services and resources to thrive in their roles.

The Employee Relations team is accountable for enabling achievement of strategic and operational objectives by managing UWA’s relationship with its workforce in ways consistent with UWA culture and values. It plays a crucial role in ensuring a positive and productive work environment. The function is responsible for managing and resolving employee relations issues, promoting fair and consistent treatment of all employees and implementing policies and programs to foster a harmonious workplace.

About the opportunity
Reporting to the Director Human Resources (DHR), you will provide strategic leadership and expertise in Employee / Industrial Relations to ensure the University has the right professional Human Resource Management ER strategies, systems, processes and practices to enable it to be a high performing, safe and values-driven workplace.

You will provide expert advice and guidance to UWA to address complex people management issues including interpretation of industrial legislation, awards and agreements, policies and procedures. You will lead and develop the capabilities of the Employee and Industrial Relations team and drive development and implementation of employee and industrial relations strategies, policies and procedures and related resources. You will also work collaboratively across UWA to build capability to effectively resolve people management issues in a safe and efficient way and to enhance employee engagement and productivity.

About you
You will have relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources and extensive experience leading and managing teams to deliver customer-centred people management services, aligned to professional HR Management best practice. You will also have relevant experience in developing and delivering employee relations strategies, initiatives and interventions across large and complex organisations and a sound understanding of employee relations policies and practices as they apply within UWA or related sectors.

Note: A current National Police Clearance Certificate will be required by the successful applicant.

What we offer to you
The position attracts a competitive remuneration and benefits package including 17% superannuation. We also offer a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with up to 36 weeks paid parental leave, along with work life balance and the opportunity to be part of a high performing, dynamic, friendly and supportive team. We value professional development and encourage our staff to further themselves with the various Professional & Development opportunities available. Our beautiful and historic campus situated in Matilda Bay has wonderful onsite facilities including on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy, a gym and aquatic centre, supermarket and medical centre, cultural activities (like Laurance Wilson Art Gallery and Somerset Cinemas). Staff parking and well-connected transport options are available.

About your application
Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description: Position description - Associate Director, Employee Relations.pdf

The content of your Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet selection criteria 1-4 (3-page max).

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 27 November 2023

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Fiona Keay, Director Human Resources, on +61 (0) 403 721 704 or at [email protected]. For queries or issues relating to the application process, please contact Adrian Wilks on 08 6488 2144 or at [email protected].

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.