About Merri-bek
Merri-bek, based in Coburg in Melbourne’s inner north, is a progressive and diverse community known for its commitment to sustainability, inclusion and strong community outcomes. Council offers a flexible working environment, with the People & Safety function playing a key role in supporting leaders, employees and the broader organisation through practical, values-led people advice.
The Role
As the Unit Manager Workplace Relations, you will lead Merri-bek’s workplace relations, industrial relations and HR business partnering function, supporting the delivery of high-quality generalist HR, ER and IR advice across Council. Reporting to the Manager People and Safety, this role combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement in complex workplace matters, industrial issues, enterprise agreement interpretation, HR policy advice and union engagement.
This is a true HR generalist leadership role with a strong ER/IR focus. You will provide leadership to, and develop, a capable HR Business Partnering team, ensuring leaders across the organisation receive timely, consistent and practical advice. You will manage complex employee relations matters, while maintaining trusted relationships with executives, managers, employees and union representatives, and supporting constructive workplace outcomes that align with Council’s values, governance obligations and operating environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
You will provide inclusive and supportive leadership across workplace relations, industrial relations and HR business partnering, ensuring services are responsive, compliant and people-centred. Key responsibilities include providing authoritative advice and coaching to leaders and the HR Business Partnering team; managing complex employee relations matters; supporting investigations, conciliations and tribunal processes; interpreting industrial instruments; contributing to the development and refinement of HR policies; and acting as a key contact for union engagement, interaction and negotiation.
The role will also oversee the quality and consistency of HR and workplace relations advice across Council, support the resolution of sensitive employment matters and contribute to a strong, service-focused People & Safety function. You will lead relevant HR and workplace relations initiatives, support continuous improvement in how advice is delivered, and build a positive team culture that encourages accountability, collaboration and sound judgement.
About You
You bring strong ER/IR experience within complex, unionised environments, supported by well-developed HR generalist advisory capability and demonstrated people leadership experience. You will have a sound understanding of employment legislation, enterprise agreements, contemporary workplace relations practice and the practical application of HR policy in a large organisational setting.
You are a credible and pragmatic leader who can navigate complexity, influence effectively and balance organisational, employee and industrial considerations. You are committed to enabling the team to perform at their best, supporting the HR Business Partners to have impact and influence. You will be confident building trusted relationships at all levels of an organisation and will bring a calm, solutions-focused approach to sensitive and complex matters.
This role will suit someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. You will need to be organised, responsive and able to manage multiple matters at once, while maintaining sound judgement and a high standard of advice. Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Law or a related discipline are highly regarded.
Your Application
If you are passionate about constructive workplace relations and are motivated by the opportunity to lead a respected team within a values-led local government environment, we would welcome your application.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
Applications close on June 22nd 2026.
For enquiries or to request a copy of the comprehensive Position Description, please contact Marcel Lafontaine at marcel@publicsectorpeople.com.au or 0423 668 753.
Merri-bek is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Unit Manager Workplace Relations | Merri-bek City Council
Unit Manager Workplace Relations | Merri-bek City Council
Salary:
$150000 - 160000 / Year
Contract Type:
Permanent
Location:
VIC - Melbourne - VIC
Industry:
Professional
Reference:
4043784
Contact Name:
Marcel Lafontaine
Contact Email:
marcel@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Date Published:
03-Jun-2026
