Workplace Relations Consultant

Work type:Fixed Term

• Full time or Part time 0.8FTE
• Fixed term – 6 months
• Bundoora Campus
• HEO8 Starting at $115,556 plus 17% superannuation

About the position

This role has been created as part of a targeted initiative to strengthen La Trobe University's capacity to address underperformance and related behavioural matters. The project is focused on fostering constructive, sustainable performance support practices through a mix of advisory, coaching, and case-based strategies.

Reporting to the Director, Workplace Relations and Injury Services, the Workplace Relations Consultant will deliver integrated, risk-informed advice to academic leaders and collaborate closely with Office of the Provost (OPv), Deans, and the Performance Support Team (PST). The Workplace Relations Consultant will ensure that performance and conduct matters are managed in a timely, procedurally fair, and proportionate manner, aligning with the University's strategic workforce

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Deliver high-level, strategic advice on workplace relations and performance management matters.
• Advise on and manage informal and formal performance and conduct cases, including complex underperformance, misconduct, and behavioural issues.
• Provide risk informed advice, that is procedurally sound and aligned with university policy and La Trobe's risk appetite for managing IR matters.
• Recommend and facilitate structured separation arrangements.
• Collaborate with Deans, academic leaders, and P&C Business Partners to assess case complexity and determine support needs.
• Develop documentation, letters, communication templates, and briefing materials to support case resolution.
• Assist in building a case triage and tracking mechanism to monitor case flow, outcomes, and risks.
• Provide input into documentation of current and potential underperformance and behavioural matters across Schools.
• Participate in weekly case reviews with the PST and contribute to evaluation and reporting activities.
• Provide professional development and training to academic leaders, aligned with University performance expectations and cultural qualities.
• Deliver structured coaching support to leaders managing underperformance cases and facilitate practical coaching conversations that build their confidence and capability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industrial instruments, and University policy.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this position, you will have:

• A degree in a relevant discipline (Human Resources, Employment Law or other related degree) or demonstrated experience in managing performance related matters.
• Strong knowledge and application of workplace relations, including the interpretation of enterprise agreements and employment legislation.
• Demonstrated capability in managing complex performance and conduct matters with a focus on risk mitigation and procedural fairness.
• Experience designing and delivering performance coaching interventions that build leader confidence and drive staff development.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:

Benefits:

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site child care facilities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date: By 11:55pm, Thursday 18th September 2025

Position Enquiries: Michael Tahan, Director Workplace Relations & Injury Services

Via email:

Recruitment Enquiries: Lisa White, Talent Acquisition Consultant

via email:

Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter,
• An up-to-date resume and;
• A separate document addressing each bullet point under the Essential Criteria 'Skills and knowledge required for the position', which is found in the position description.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.