Southern Cross University
Senior Manager, Employment Relations
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Senior Manager, Employment Relations
Senior Manager, Employment Relations
Lead complex workplace investigations and high-risk employee relations matters Act as the University’s trusted advisor on workplace relations and employment risk Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on complex people and employment issues
Be Bold. Belong. Be More.
At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.
A career with us is more than you might expect. We offer:
- A heartfelt, connected community in a regional university setting
- Game-changing learning experiences deeply connected to regional impact
- Global-scale research that makes a tangible difference
- Opportunities to drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in an environment as unique as yourself
You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.
Your Opportunity
Southern Cross University is committed to creating a contemporary, inclusive and high-performing workplace. The Workplace Relations team plays a crucial role in supporting leaders, managing organisational risk, and ensuring the University’s employment practices align with both legislative requirements and our values.
As Senior Manager, Employment Relations, you will:
- Act as the University’s senior specialist advisor on complex workplace relations matters
- Partner with senior leaders, People Partners, and the broader People and Culture team for strategic problem-solving
- Combining strategic thinking with practical problem solving
- Lead workplace investigations, provide expert advice on employment and industrial matters, and support high-risk cases
- Contribute to workplace frameworks, policy development, and compliance initiatives
You will:
- Provide specialist advice on workplace legislation, enterprise agreements, awards, contracts, and employment frameworks
- Lead complex workplace investigations and support sensitive employee relations matters
- Advise leaders on performance management, misconduct, organisational change, redundancy, and dispute resolution
- Manage high-risk employment matters, including tribunal proceedings and workers’ compensation liability disputes
- Develop workplace frameworks, policies, training, and compliance initiatives to strengthen organisational capability
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What You Will Bring
You are an experienced workplace relations professional with:
- Deep technical expertise and sound judgement
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to managing complexity and sensitive issues
- Ability to provide balanced advice that supports organisational objectives and positive people outcomes
- Strong influence through expertise, credibility, and trusted relationships
- Clear communication of complex matters, coupled with practical and defensible advice
- A collaborative mindset and motivation to shape workplace practice within a purpose-driven organisation
To succeed in this role, you will also need:
- A degree in Law or a related discipline, combined with substantial experience in employment law, employee relations, or workplace relations
- Strong expertise in interpreting enterprise agreements, awards, contracts, and workplace legislation
- Demonstrated experience managing workplace investigations, disciplinary matters, and complex employee relations issues
- Experience advising on organisational change, consultation processes, disputes, and high-risk employment matters
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills to influence decisions across all organisational levels
Why Southern Cross University?
Southern Cross University (SCU) is proud to be a regional university—young, small, and vibrant. Enjoy:
- Greater exposure, more ownership, and accelerated growth in a supportive environment
- Collaborative culture where passionate leaders go the extra mile to help you succeed
- A career that’s richer than just work—it’s about place, community, and living the life you love
- Integration with three main campuses and three regional hubs of New South Wales
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Your opportunity is:
- Full-time, continuing (permanent)
- Location options: Gold Coast, QLD 4225 or Lismore, NSW 2480 ( relocation assistance available )
- Salary commensurate with your qualifications, skills, and experience
Benefits:
- Wellbeing support provisions
- Professional growth initiatives
- Premium work-life balance measures
For more insights on benefits and SCU, visit [Southern Cross University site](link not provided; remove or replace per your discretionary policy).
Bring Your Best Self Forward
Southern Cross University celebrates potential as much as experience. If you don’t meet all listed requirements but are excited about this role and keen to demonstrate your abilities, we encourage you to apply.
Contact Information:
Name: Vivian Cormier Email: Jobs@scu.edu.au
Closing Date: 11.30pm AEST, 17 July 2026
Note on Work Rights:
Eligible applicants must hold:
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship
- Australian permanent residency
- Alternatively, must have current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment
Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted online, including:
- CV
- Cover letter addressing each selection criterion in this position description
Additional notes:
- Information on preparing your application is available [on our site](link not provided).
- Southern Cross University values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate the rich diversity of our regions and international community.
- We commit to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with a disability.
Support through recruitment process is available upon request. Reach out if you require reasonable adjustments to participate fully.
Be more with Southern Cross University today.
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