Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Human resources
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/PES/1919610
VPS6 $138,631 - $185,518 (plus superannuation)
The Department of Education is seeking a VPS6 Principal Workplace Relations Consultant to join our enthusiastic and team-focused branch.
The Department of Education is responsible for leading the delivery of education and development services to children, young people and adults both directly through government schools and indirectly through the regulation and funding of early childhood services, non-government schools and training programs across Victoria.
The Department strives to be a values-based organisation that is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all.
The People Strategy and Operations (VPS) Division is responsible for the department's human resources policies and services for the department's Victorian Public Service (VPS) workforce. It provides end-to-end people services, strategic workplace relations advice and support, employee learning and inclusion programs and support, workforce data analytics and strategic planning, and manages corporate office working places and environmental sustainability.
The HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) Branch is responsible for providing strategic HR and workplace relations advice and support for the department's VPS workforce. The branch develops human resources policies, programs and strategies to recruit and support a high performing workforce, whilst promoting best practice and compliance with relevant legislation. In addition, the branch provides strategic advice and recommendations on workforce issues relevant to the department and the Victorian Public Sector more broadly.
About the Role
The Principal Workplace Relations Consultant is responsible for providing expert technical HR advice on generalist, strategic and specialist people matters and developing strategy, policy and recommendations for the department. The incumbent will utilise their strong analytical and conceptual skills to lead and manage people focused programs and conduct complex analysis and risk-based issue resolution.
The HR Policy and Strategy (VPS) branch are seeking individuals who have experience in the provision of expert HR/IR advice and has strong stakeholder and customer management skills.
About you
You will possess strong conceptual and analytical skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. In addition, you will be organised and able to work to often tight deadlines and with competing priorities. This is an excellent opportunity to utilise your current skills and experience and develop your career.
A tertiary qualification in a relevant field is desirable, but not essential.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role and the skills and experiences they will bring to the position in relation to the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages), plus a CV.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Caz Laughton via [email protected].
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications Close on : 30-April 2026