Senior Employee Relations Consultant

PRIMARY DETAIL

Work within a high performing team of specialists and partner with a diverse set of stakeholders to provide high quality advice and support in managing complex and sensitive employment matters.

• Up to $176K package negotiable (inclusive of superannuation)
• Full-time, continuing role. Hybrid working arrangements
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde.
   

Partner with leaders to navigate complexity with fairness, clarity and confidence.

Join a high-performing, collegial Employee Relations team as Senior Employee Relations Consultant, and play a pivotal role in supporting Macquarie University and its entities navigate and resolve complex and meaningful people matters. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a large, diverse organisation where your expertise will directly influence outcomes for leaders, staff and the broader University community.

The Role

Employee Relations is a specialist function within Human Resources, providing expert advice on the interpretation and application of the University’s employment, industrial and legislative frameworks.

Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, the Senior Employee Relations Consultant is a trusted advisor who partners closely with leaders, HR colleagues and key stakeholders across the University. You will lead and manage complex and sensitive matters, contribute to industrial strategy, and coach others to build capability and confidence in navigating employee relations challenges.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the end-to-end management of complex and sensitive employee relations matters, ensuring procedural fairness and alignment with the Enterprise Agreements and statutory requirements.
• Providing expert advice on organisational change, including staff consultation and redundancy processes
• Coordinating and facilitating dispute resolution processes, working constructively with Union representatives.
• Coaching and supporting managers and HR partners to effectively manage complex performance, conduct and workplace matters
• Researching, analysing and developing pragmatic, evidence-based options to resolve employee relations issues
• Contributing to the development of advice and insights to inform the University’s industrial and employee relations strategy

About You

You are an experienced employee relations professional who combines strong technical expertise with sound judgement, empathy and credibility. You are calm under pressure, comfortable operating in complexity, and known for your ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

You will demonstrate (Selection Criteria):

• Qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or significant equivalent experience
• Strong working knowledge of the Australian legal and industrial relations framework at both state and federal levels
• Demonstrated experience managing complex and sensitive employment matters within a large, matrixed organisation
• Proven ability to coach and influence managers and colleagues through challenging situations
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, practical advice and recommendations
• Strong organisational skills and a methodical, outcomes-focused approach

Experience within the higher education, government or healthcare sectors will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity.  Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to complete a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. 

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and ongoing maintenance of all role-required pre-employment checks in terms that are satisfactory to the University.

About Us

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the staff benefits on offer.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that addresses how you meet the selection criteria (above).

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the position please contact Nick Crowley, Head, Employee Relations via nick.crowley@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition via sarah.bate@mq.edu.au.

Applications Close:  Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11.59pm (AEST)

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

01/02/2026 11:59 PM

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A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.