Workplace Relations Specialist

Business Unit:
**People Services**
- Function:
**People & Integrity**
- Job Code:
**704908**

**Workplace Relations Specialist x2**
- Two permanent full-time opportunities, available at two levels of seniority
- Opportunity to undertake advocacy in the Fair Work Commission
- Hybrid opportunity (3 days per week in office, Melbourne CBD based)

V/Line’s purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport - connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.

V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we’re delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3000 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

Two exciting opportunities are available within V/Line’s Workplace Relations team: a Workplace Relations Specialist and a Senior Workplace Relations Specialist. These opportunities cater to both junior and more experienced workplace relations professionals and employment lawyers.

**About the role**

The Workplace Relations Specialist provides essential workplace relations and HR advice to managers and employees, ensuring smooth handling of employee-related matters.

Key Accountabilities include:

- **Resolve Employee Issues**:Conduct investigations and manage grievances, claims, and disciplinary matters.
- **Provide Expert Advice**: Guide managers on workplace relations, policies, procedures, and performance management.
- **Support Change Management**:Assist with change initiatives and ensure compliance with consultation requirements.
- **Manage Litigation**:Handle employment litigation and advocate before the Fair Work Commission.
- **Develop Policies**:Review and develop Employee Relations policies and procedures.

**About you**

You're a dynamic and resilient professional with a knack for navigating the complexities of workplace relations. Even in challenging and adversarial environments, you remain composed and effective.

You stay ahead of the curve by maintaining a keen awareness of changes in the employee relations landscape. Your proactive approach in educating front-line managers helps them recognize and manage potential issues before they escalate.

In a fast-paced and complex workload, you excel at balancing competing priorities. Your ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including unions, is a testament to your collaborative spirit. You're skilled at mediating and resolving conflicts, ensuring a harmonious workplace.
- A proven track record in conducting thorough investigations into employee performance and conduct issues, demonstrating your keen eye for detail and fairness.
- Exceptional skills in the preparation and review of legal documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Expertise in managing Fair Work Commission matters, including the preparation of compelling witness statements and submissions.
- A strong background in employee relations within a law firm or industrial relations consultancy, or extensive experience in an internal role handling complex investigations and managing employee relations matters
- Experience working in an industrial, blue-collar, or unionised workforce, with exposure to enterprise agreements (desirable)
- Demonstrated alignment to V/Line’s values of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership and human rights.

If your skills or experience don’t exactly match our listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development.

In addition to** free myki travel**, we offer:

- **Community impact -** Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
- **Huge potential -** We’re transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
- **Dynamic environment -** V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
- **Collaborative team -**You’ll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
- **Flexible working -**We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.

As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability.

We proudly acknowledge First Peoples of Victoria. We acknowledge their ongoing strength in practicing the world’s oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners’ lands, waters, and skies on whic