Hybrid Employee Relations Counsel / Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Position Overview

This prominent role as a Hybrid Employee Relations Counsel or Senior Employee Relations Specialist offers a crucial opportunity to influence the management of people-related matters within the organization. You will operate both strategically and operationally, collaborating closely with leadership to resolve complex employee relations challenges. Your advice will be commercially sensible, aiming to mitigate risks while promoting positive employee experiences.

Key Duties

Primary responsibilities include managing disputes and tribunal cases, representing the company in employment and industrial tribunals with professionalism and confidence. You will mentor Employee Relations Advisors by providing guidance on difficult cases and help enhance the capabilities of the People & Culture team. This role also involves supporting enterprise agreement negotiations, driving change initiatives, and working alongside unions, regulators, and external legal counsel to establish a stable industrial environment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a qualified legal practitioner with in-depth experience in employee relations and employment law, ideally having worked either internally or in private practice. You possess a thorough understanding of the Australian industrial framework and apply it pragmatically for business benefit. Expertise in engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders—leaders, colleagues, unions, and regulators—is essential. You communicate clearly, promote trust, and advocate for sustainable and balanced workplace outcomes.

Organizational Context

BOQ Group comprises several challenger brands with the mission of offering authentic alternatives in Australian financial services. The group includes BOQ, ME Bank, Virgin Money Australia, and BOQ Specialist, each targeting distinct customer segments yet unified by a goal to foster social capital through banking. The company prioritizes inclusivity and reflects the communities it serves.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements to help balance professional and personal life.
• Discounted financial products across the Group.
• Salary packaging options for improved take-home pay.
• Paid parental leave with no minimum service condition.
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave days.
• Special rates on private health insurance.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program for support with various personal and professional issues.
• Access to diverse employee network groups, including First Nations Reconciliation, LGBTQIA+, Multicultural, Gender, Early Careers, and accessibility groups.
• Membership in Pride in Diversity and active participation in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Additional Information

BOQ Group encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and is especially committed to Indigenous inclusion. Applicants are invited to share their pronouns and request interview accommodations if needed. Employment is contingent on passing background screening aligned with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism legislation requirements, including identity and legal checks. Agency submissions are not accepted.