Senior Legal

Overview

Professionals Australia (PA) is a contemporary and innovative union, representing the industrial and professional interests of professional employees across Australia. Our members include engineers, scientists, pharmacists, managers, IT professionals, translators and interpreters, and architects.

We are committed to growing and strengthening our membership in workplaces and across industries and professions.

We strive to make a positive difference to members’ working and professional lives and we are working hard to gain greater respect, recognition and rewards for our members and the vital professional services they deliver.

PA is known for expanded service offerings, alternate membership models and digital marketing to achieve membership growth and retention.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Legal / Industrial Officer to play a critical role in the NSW PA team in improving and defending the working conditions of members across workplaces, industries and professions in innovative ways. Reporting directly to the Director, the Senior Legal / Industrial Officer will work with and assist other members of the NSW industrial team and work closely with organising staff to achieve great outcomes for our collective membership.

Role description

The Senior Legal / Industrial Officer will:

- Work closely with the NSW team, elected officials and committees to develop, implement and review industrial strategies and goals for industries and workplaces.

- Work with and assist and/or supervise other members of the industrial team and provide strategic IR advice and support to organising staff in all aspects of enterprise bargaining and other campaigns

- Assist with the drafting of submissions and reports on inquiries and proposed legislation and regulations as required.

- Provide strategic IR advice, advocacy and support in the resolution of major complex workplace issues and disputes

- Contribute to and assist in the delivery of delegate training

- Contribute to building collaborative, inclusive and productive work practices across PA

- Support a diverse, healthy and safe workplace

Skills and experience

We are seeking someone who has:

- Experience in appearing before courts and tribunals

- Experience in dealing with the Government and stakeholders.

- Experience in developing and implementing industrial strategies

- Experience in the provision of workplace advice and support to members; the negotiation of workplace pay and conditions and resolving workplace issues and disputes, including advocacy experience

- Experience in all facets of enterprise bargaining

- Demonstrated analytical abilities and problem-solving skills

- Experience in contributing to a leadership team and related strategic planning

- A demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively with members, delegates, and organisers to achieve industrial goals

- Extensive knowledge of contemporary industrial relations and the issues facing PA in organising collectively

- Substantial knowledge and experience in applying industrial (federal and NSW), anti-discrimination and WH&S legislation to collective industrial issues

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality plans and reports.

- Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills suitable for undertaking an active, dynamic role in the development and implementation of industrial strategy which informs campaigns and enterprise agreement negotiations

- Demonstrated commitment to union values and integrity

- Relevant tertiary qualifications, legal qualifications with an unrestricted practicing certificate is an advantage

- A ROE permit or the ability to obtain one

- A current driver’s licence

Salary and conditions

- Negotiable based on experience.

- Flexible working arrangements and attractive leave entitlements

- The location of the position is in the NSW office located in Sydney. All staff in NSW team currently have access to working from home options where it is safe, effective and efficient for them to do so.

- Full-time and part-time employment arrangements are available.

- Four days extra paid leave between Christmas and New Year, plus 12 RDOs per annum.

- Access to professional development opportunities.

Further information

People from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications must address the skills and experience criteria above.

Please contact Justine McCarthy for further information: jmccarthy@professionalsaustralia.org.au

Applications close Friday, 26 September 2025

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