Director, Workplace Relations

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• Permanent, full-time opportunity located in Heidelberg
• Lead and develop a high-performing Workplace Relations team
• Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement

Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the Workplace Relations Department

The Director, Workplace Relations is a member of the People & Culture leadership team and one of four Director roles reporting to the CPCO.  The People & Culture Leadership team work together and collaboratively with the organisation to ensure their thinking, actions and impact are focused on Austin Health achieving its vision: “Shaping the future through exceptional care, discovery and learning”.

About the role 

As the Director, Workplace Relations, you will provide strategic leadership and expert advice on all aspects of industrial and employee relations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, enterprise agreements, and organisational policies. This role drives proactive strategies to foster a positive workplace culture, manage risk, and support organisational objectives within a complex healthcare environment.

The position works closely with the Executive team and senior stakeholders to provide authoritative advice and support, playing a vital role in managing risk in an interesting, complex industrial environment.

About you 

You will be someone who has excellent communication skills, with a strong commitment to excellence in patient care. You’ll bring energy and drive to your work, and have a keen interest in developing your skillset. 

To be successful in this role you’ll bring with you:

• Extensive experience in industrial and employee relations functions in a complex, unionised environment (healthcare preferred).
• Proven ability to lead enterprise bargaining and manage union relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and the ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills and an inherent ability to liaise effectively with a diverse stakeholder group both within the organisation and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a senior leadership group, adding value in decision making beyond areas of expertise.
• Ability to identify and manage significant organisational risks and provide pragmatic and effective solutions to complex people related issues.
• Advocacy and conciliation experience in FWC and other relevant forums.
  
  

Our benefits 

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 

Work with us! 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Elise Tuffy, Chief People and Culture Officer at Elise.Tuffy@austin.org.au

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description for further details. 

Application closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026