Associate Director - Workplace Relations Policy

About the organisation

This role sits within a high-performing advocacy environment focused on influencing Australia’s business and workplace policy landscape. The work involves engaging directly with government, regulators, and international bodies to help keep Australia competitive as a place to do business.

Role overview

As Associate Director in Workplace Relations Policy, you will take a leading role in shaping national policy, representing employer interests in important forums, and driving advocacy that contributes to major workplace relations outcomes across Australia. The position combines strategic policy leadership with direct stakeholder engagement and ownership of significant projects.

Key responsibilities

• Steer workplace relations policy and advocacy initiatives that influence outcomes at a national level.
• Represent Australian business in senior-level government, regulatory, and international settings, including Fair Work Commission matters and global forums.
• Lead and monitor complex grant-funded programs, ensuring they are delivered effectively, meet compliance requirements, and create meaningful impact.
• Provide specialist analysis on workplace relations law, regulation, and reform developments.
• Work closely with ministers, regulators, and industry leaders to advance policy positions and build relationships.
• Contribute to major national processes such as wage reviews and significant Fair Work matters.
• Bring diverse stakeholders together, balancing differing interests to reach workable outcomes.
• Spot emerging workplace issues early and help shape proactive policy responses.

Candidate profile

You should be a confident, informed, and highly capable policy professional who performs well in complex, fast-moving environments and is motivated by meaningful influence at scale.

• Background in workplace relations, employment law, public policy, or advocacy, typically with at least 5 years’ experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian workplace relations system, including relevant legislation, institutions, and processes.
• Proven ability to shape policy and represent an organisation in high-level forums.
• Excellent research, analytical, and written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
• Experience managing complex projects or programs, ideally including grant-funded work.
• Comfort and credibility when engaging senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently and drive priorities through to completion.
• Tertiary qualifications in law, public policy, or a related field.

What’s on offer

• A rare chance to influence workplace relations policy at the national level.
• Direct access to senior government, regulatory, and international stakeholders.
• Work with genuine purpose, visibility, and measurable impact.
• Exposure to major economic and workforce reform issues.
• A supportive, collaborative, and high-performance policy team.
• Competitive remuneration aligned to EL1.

Additional information

This is an urgent appointment and will be filled once the strongest candidate is identified. The role is based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, and is a full-time, onsite position.

Reference code: JN-052026-7017688.