Senior People Advisor, Workplace Relations

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Lead complex and sensitive workplace investigations with independence and integrity
• Provide trusted, evidence-based advice to support fair and appropriate outcomes
• Help foster a fair, respectful and inclusive workplace across CSIRO

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity
The Workplace Relations team is a Centre of Excellence providing practical support and tailored advice on industrial disputes, workplace issues, complex cases and external tribunal matters affecting CSIRO people. Within this function, the Case Management team plays a pivotal role in supporting a fair and respectful workplace while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies and industrial agreements.

We’re looking for an experienced HR professional to join our Case Management team as a Senior People Advisor, Workplace Relations. In this role, you’ll provide expert HR advice and manage the end-to-end case management of complex workplace matters. You’ll conduct impartial and thorough workplace investigations and support the effective resolution of sensitive people matters, including employee misconduct, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Drawing on your strong investigative, analytical and interpersonal skills, you will assess complex issues, provide clear and considered advice, and guide employees and leaders through sensitive people management processes. You’ll work closely with stakeholders to ensure matters are managed fairly, consistently and in line with organisational policies, procedures and relevant employment legislation.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Conduct and manage impartial workplace investigations into misconduct allegations and complex people matters, including evidence gathering, analysis and assessment, in a thorough, ethical, confidential and professional manner.
• Collaborate with People Partnering, Industrial Relations, Health and Wellbeing, IM&T, Integrity and other relevant stakeholders to draw on specialist expertise and support well-informed outcomes.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate advice for senior management, including risk assessments and evidence-based recommendations.
• Assess and recommend appropriate resolution pathways for complex people matters in collaboration with the Case Management Manager.
• Manage the timely administration, tracking and reporting of cases, maintaining accurate and transparent records and confidential communication throughout the case management lifecycle.
• Build trusted relationships and communicate openly, respectfully and sensitively with individuals, leaders and stakeholders.
  

Role particulars

Location: Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide & Hobart.

Hybrid working available.

Salary: AU$118k - AU$127k pa + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 104527

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience and/or postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management, Business Management, Industrial Relations, Employment Law or other relevant discipline.
• Specialised workplace investigation qualifications.
• At least 5 years’ demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations, including managing complex, sensitive and high-conflict matters
• Demonstrated ability to research, interpret and apply legislation, policies, and guidance material, particularly whilst encountering frequent ambiguity. A history of supporting and guiding management through complex and sensitive people matters.
• Superior judgement and reasoning capability, and a demonstrated ability to maintain independence, apply a risk management approach, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Superior written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build rapport, manage sensitive conversations, and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards, respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
  

 
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Support and workplace adjustments
We offer a range of reasonable supports and workplace adjustments. Please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description if we can help you to equitably participate in our recruitment process or the role itself.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please reach out to the contact on page 1 of the position description, to let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. 

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

13th October 2026, 11pm (AEDT)