Principal Advisor, Policy

• Make a strategic impact on RMIT's workplace relations environment

• Full-time or Part-time, Continuing position

• HEW 9 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements 

• Based at the ​Melbourne CBD​ campus, ​and hybrid ways of working​ ​

About the Role

RMIT University is seeking an experienced Principal Advisor, Policy & Workplace Relations to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled workplace relations specialist to provide expert guidance, leadership, and strategic advice across a broad range of workplace relations matters within a complex and large University environment.

The Principal Advisor will provide expert IR / ER consultancy to leaders in allocated RMIT portfolio areas. This role requires a strong focus on identifying the root causes of workplace issues, assessing the broader context, and developing suitable resolution strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders, including managers, executive leadership, and People Partners. This role will play a key role in Enterprise Bargaining processes, contribute to strategic projects and will also manage complex cases, as required, across various workplace relations issues, such as conduct, performance, change management, and inherent requirements.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a strategic impact on RMIT's workplace relations environment, supporting the development of a fair, responsive, and legally compliant workplace while fostering a positive culture within the University.

About You

• Expertise in Workplace Relations: Demonstrated experience and expert-level knowledge of the Fair Work Act 2009, contract law, and the ability to become an expert in all RMIT's enterprise agreements and policies.

• Case Management & Dispute Resolution: Proven ability to manage and resolve complex industrial disputes and workplace relations issues.

• Advanced Advisory Skills: Ability to provide complex advice on a broad range of workplace relations matters, particularly in large, complex organisations.

• Stakeholder Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence unions, clients, and executive stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.

• Advocacy & Representation: Experience advocating at the Fair Work Commission (FWC) or other external jurisdictions.

• Policy Development: Demonstrated experience in the development and drafting of workplace relations policies and strategies.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience working as a senior team member and mentoring junior colleagues to support professional growth and achieve team objectives.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyse and interpret data and information, presenting it in an effective and practical format.

• IT Competency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and adaptability to HR tools such as ServiceNow and Workday.

• Commitment to Procedural Fairness: Expert grasp of procedural fairness and natural justice principles in workplace decision-making.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. 

About the ​Operations Portfolio​ 

The Operations Portfolio enables an integrated, enterprise-wide delivery by supporting and enabling best practice student and staff experiences. The Operations Portfolio houses significant drivers and delivery components that are integral in bringing the RMIT strategy to life, across the globe.  Each of these functions supports the global operations of the University both directly as well as through its controlled entities. The Portfolio incorporates the following business units: Governance, Legal & Strategic Operations, Finance, Procurement, People, Enterprise Project & Business Performance, Information and Technology Services, Property Services, and the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. 

To Apply  

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing ​your suitability​ for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page.  

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Daniela Amato via email on   

Position Description – Principal Advisor, Employee Relations. 

Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements.    

#LI-Hybrid 

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via or visit our Careers page for more contact information -

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.