ER Consultant

We’re Civica and we make software that helps deliver critical services for citizens all around the world. From local to state government, to education, to health and care, over 5,000 public bodies across the globe use our software to help provide critical services to over 100 million citizens.

Our aspiration is to be a GovTech champion everywhere we work around the globe, supporting the needs of citizens and those that serve them every day. Building on 21 years of continuous growth and success, we're at a pivotal point on our journey to realise that aspiration.

As a company, we're passionate about what we do and the citizens we help to serve. If you too would like to help champion the use of technology in public services, improve outcomes for citizens and public sector organisations, and help shape the future of work, then Civica is the right place for you.

Why you will love this opportunity as Employee Relations Consultant at Civica

We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Consultant to provide specialist ER support across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced ER professional who enjoys taking ownership of complex cases, working closely with leaders and providing practical, commercially balanced advice.

Civica is in the middle of an exciting transformation. We're investing in our products, processes and people, creating opportunities for people who enjoy improving how things are done and making a tangible difference to the employee experience.

You'll play an important role within our APAC People Team, independently managing complex employee relations matters, leading workplace investigations and supporting organisational change. You'll also coach managers, help develop our people policies and practices, and support positive relationships with unions and employee representatives.

You'll work closely with the Head of ER & Operations, People Business Partners and colleagues across the wider People Team to ensure we deliver consistent, fair and effective people practices across the region.

This role is based out of our Melbourne office, with a hybrid approach requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.

What you'll be responsible for

• Independently managing a broad range of employee relations matters, including complex and high-risk cases.
• Leading fair, timely and well-documented workplace investigations, from preparing allegations and conducting interviews through to assessing evidence and supporting outcomes.
• Providing practical advice on disciplinary matters, grievances, performance issues, workplace investigations and external claims.
• Monitoring employment legislation and industrial relations developments across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and translating changes into practical guidance.
• Developing and updating policies, procedures and guidance to maintain compliance and support effective people practices.
• Supporting and leading organisational change programmes, including restructures, consultation processes and integration activity.
• Coaching managers to identify and address employee relations issues early and manage difficult conversations confidently and fairly.
• Building constructive relationships with unions and supporting consultation, dispute resolution and enterprise bargaining activity where required.
• Applying enterprise agreements, modern awards and other relevant industrial instruments.
• Supporting and coaching wider members of the People Team on employee relations and policy matters.
• Reviewing employee feedback and survey results to identify opportunities to improve the employee experience.
• Supporting the management and review of employee benefits to ensure they continue to meet employee and business needs.

What success looks like

Employee relations expertise matters, but so does how you work.

• Provides clear, credible and pragmatic advice that leaders can act on.
• Takes ownership of complex ER matters and manages them confidently through to conclusion.
• Delivers fair, thorough and well-documented workplace investigations.
• Balances employee experience, commercial considerations and organisational risk.
• Builds trusted relationships with leaders, managers, People colleagues and unions.
• Helps managers build their own capability and confidence in handling people matters.
• Supports organisational change with empathy, consistency and good judgement.
• Keeps policies and practices aligned with changing employment legislation and industrial requirements.
• Looks for opportunities to improve and simplify how employee relations support is delivered.

• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes, grievances, performance matters, workplace investigations and external claims.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and industrial relations requirements in Australia and New Zealand, with the ability to advise on matters relating to Singapore.
• Experience building constructive relationships with unions and working with enterprise agreements, modern awards and other industrial instruments.
• Experience supporting or leading organisational change, including restructures and consultation processes.
• Strong investigation and case management capability, with the ability to assess evidence and support fair and defensible outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, coaching and influencing skills.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide clear, pragmatic and risk-based advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage competing priorities and complex cases in a fast-paced environment.
• Relevant formal qualifications or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting merger, acquisition or integration activity.
• Broader People Operations or HR generalist experience.
• Experience working within a global organisation or matrix environment.
• Experience supporting employee benefits or employee experience initiatives.

Why you'll love working with us 

We know that when our people are happy, they will work better and have greater work satisfaction. Here's what you can expect: 

We're all different - and we love this about us. 

Inclusive environment - We provide an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment to all Civicans. There are opportunities to help you grow and be your best. 

Giving culture - We encourage you to give back through benefits such as our Days of Difference leave, where you can volunteer for a charity of your choice. 

Flexible work - We have the technology and tools to support you to work from home and come into our offices to connect and socialise with colleagues. 

Apply for this job - Become part of something special. Do you see yourself in this role? If so, we would love to hear from you. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. We strongly believe that diversity of experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will consistently lead to a better company and better outcomes. We are working hard to increase the diversity of our team wherever we can, and we actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of it. We are especially keen to receive applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.