Principal Advisor, Workplace Relations

About this role

In this role, you will provide expert advice to management and senior leadership, manage complex cases and workplace investigations, and represent the organisation at the Fair Work Commission and other bodies. As the Principal Advisor, Workplace Relations, you will play a critical role in shaping a safe, positive, and compliant workplace. Sitting within the People & Culture (P&C) team, you will act as an enabler for the OPP strategy by proactively managing industrial and employee relations (IR/ER) matters. With a strong bias to action, early intervention approach, and focus on meeting positive duty obligations, you will build leadership capability, drive dispute resolution, and manage complex cases to minimize risk and maximize people outcomes. You will: • Provide expert guidance to senior leadership on IR/ER matters in alignment with the Public Administration Act , Fair Work Act , and the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement . • Lead complex conflict resolution, change management, and consultation processes with the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and employee representatives. • Conduct and manage timely, fair, and transparent workplace investigations into complex or sensitive matters, including health and injury-related cases. • Coach and empower managers and P&C peers to proactively resolve workplace issues and build confidence in managing people effectively. • Represent the OPP in proceedings before the Fair Work Commission and other statutory bodies. About You You are an experienced, proactive, and collaborative Workplace Relations professional who excels in navigating complex public sector environments. You are comfortable balancing operational case management with high-level strategic advisory. Key Selection Criteria • Executive Communication: Demonstrated ability to prepare authoritative briefs, policy options, and strategic proposals for Executive audiences. • Proactive ER/IR Expertise: A hands-on orientation focused on early intervention, dispute prevention, and positive workplace culture. • Complex Case Management: Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases, workplace investigations, and health/injury-related matters. • Legislative & Framework Knowledge: Strong knowledge of Australian employment law, particularly the Victorian public sector framework ( Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024 , Fair Work Act 2009 , and Public Administration Act ). • Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Exceptional negotiation, advocacy, and relationship-building skills, with proven experience representing employers at the Fair Work Commission and engaging with unions (e.g., CPSU). At the OPP, we recognise that offering varied work patterns empowers our workforce. This position is open to both full-time and part-time arrangements (minimum 0.6FTE), and we welcome applications from candidates seeking either employment pattern. About Us: The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is an independent statutory authority responsible for conducting serious criminal prosecutions across Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Our team, consisting of over 475 skilled professionals, supports the work of the DPP, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Crown Prosecutors. We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organisation, continually adapting to deliver effective outcomes for our people and the community. At the heart of the criminal justice system are people – practitioners and the community we serve. Our vision is to lead in legal excellence, fostering an innovative, supportive environment with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence. Apply Now: Applications must contain a resume and cover letter. Please also include your preferred work pattern of full time or part time. You will be required to complete the online Key Selection Criteria questions located on the last page of the online application form. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria is not required. Applications close on 11.59pm Monday 3 August 2026. In accordance with the VPS recruitment process all candidates are subject to complete a pre-employment misconduct screening declaration. Further information is available on the VPSC website: https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/pre-employment-screening-misconduct-victorian-public-service/ The OPP is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, or those who may experience disability related barriers in securing employment.