Employee Relations Specialist

About TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training provider in the State. For more than 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers. TAFE Queensland has been named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the prestigious 2023 Australian Training Awards. Our training is delivered to students and apprentices on-site, online, in the workplace, or on-campus to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies.
By working at TAFE Queensland, you can be part of a highly experienced workforce closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.
Your Opportunity
As the Employee Relations Specialist, you will be responsible for:
Providing expert guidance to senior managers and clients of TAFE Queensland on workforce relations matters
Leading negotiations in enterprise bargaining and employment conditions
Representing TAFE Queensland in relevant tribunals on employment issues
This position reports to the Manager, Employee Relations.
This is a Temporary, Full-time opportunity until 6 May 2026.
The position will be based primarily at Mount Gravatt however, you may be required to perform work at other TAFE Queensland campuses.
Key Responsibilities
Provide expert advice and consultancy services to executive, senior managers and clients on workforce relations issues including legislation, policies, systems and practices.
Provide expert training, coaching and support to employees and managers in relation to workforce relations issues.
Perform advocacy services at tribunals including the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and Public Sector Commission to represent TAFE Queensland's interests.
Represent TAFE Queensland at high level negotiations relating to workforce relations issues, for example, in enterprise bargaining negotiations.
Lead and oversee project teams or other staff in the development, implementation, review and reporting of initiatives, programs, policies and targeted plans which relate to workforce relations.
Develop and evaluate policy and administrative procedures incorporating innovative solutions to complex employment issues.
Prepare correspondence, including briefing materials and reports, for the Minister, Chief Executive Officer and other senior staff on issues related to workforce relations.
Establish networks and liaise with clients, officers from other agencies, unions and other external bodies to promote and monitor contemporary human resource management issues.
Undertake ongoing research and analysis of contemporary human resource practices and policies occurring at a whole of government level, with a specific focus on workforce relations.
Provide leadership and model exemplary conduct for our team and other TAFE Queensland employees together with continually seeking better ways to enhance operations.
How you will be assessed
The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:
**Demonstrate your ability to live the TAFE Queensland values**: Safety First, Working Together, Focussing on our Customer, Showing initiative and Taking Responsibility.
Proven ability to provide high level advice and to develop operational strategies for the delivery of quality human resource management services.
Excellent knowledge and comprehensive experience in delivery of contemporary human resource services particularly relating to workforce relations.
Ability to negotiate, liaise and consult with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including senior management.
Excellent research, analytical, problem solving and project management skills including the ability to meet tight deadlines.
Excellent consultative and written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitive and strategic issues to a variety of stakeholders.
Highly Desirable Requirements
Demonstrated knowledge in employment law, particularly the Queensland industrial framework and/or public sector.
Relevant experience in Employee Relations, Industrial Relations and/or Human Resources.
Experience in, or ability to quickly gain experience in, advocacy in industrial tribunals such as the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, the Fair Work Commission, or the Queensland or Australian Human Rights Commission.
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Strong problem-solving abilities
How to apply
A detailed resume;
A cover letter that outlines your known skills, abilities, knowledge and experience in response to the 'How you will be assessed' criteria above (maximum of 2 pages in total); and
The contact details for two referees (one of whom is your current supervisor)
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