Senior HR Business Partner

Synopsis

Senior HR Business Partner / Workplace Relations

Salary Range Band 8 $130,108 to $145,807 plus 12% super
Permanent ongoing role, with flexible work possible
Joining a hands on, and passionate team part of a large diverse council

What’s The Role All About

The Senior Human Resource Business Partner plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering workplace relations strategies across the organisation. Working closely with key divisional stakeholders, this role will coach, support, and influence fit-for-purpose WR and HR solutions that drive positive outcomes.

With a strong emphasis on workplace relations, you will provide strategic advice and practical insights on highly complex WR matters, including industrial instruments, dispute resolution, and compliance. You will also deliver advanced people management solutions and partner with leaders to navigate sensitive and challenging matters.

Beyond workplace relations, this role collaborates with the broader People, Culture and Safety team to contribute to initiatives such as workforce planning, psychosocial risk management, and data-driven decision-making.

You will bring proven expertise in workplace relations, complemented by experience in HR and business partnering. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, a solutions-focused mindset, and a proactive approach will be key to your success.

About City Of Port Phillip

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

What You Might Do

Lead the end-to-end Case Management of Complex and sensitive investigations.
Provide coaching, feedback and guidance to Senior Managers and People Leaders in regard to their people matters
Operate as a trusted advisor to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Lead organisational change from end to end to support organisational priorities.

Who We Are Looking For

You will have demonstratable experience within Workplace Relations and Human Resources at a senior level with advanced experience partnering with senior stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience in the successful end to end case management and resolution of complex and sensitive people management matters including preparation of material for external forums and tribunals and representing the City of Port Phillip at said tribunals
Outstanding communication skills and proven ability to lead, navigate and negotiate challenging situations.

Check out the Position Description for more details!

Our work environment

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.

Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.

What’s In It For You

20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents
We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs
Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!
Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
Access to discounted gym’s across Melbourne and Australia!
Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work
Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

Security Requirements And Professional Obligations

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments. Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia
Sufficient proof of their identity.
Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).

So, what’s next?

Hit that APPLY button now!

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria.

You’ve got this!

Please submit;

Your resume – latest and detailed version
Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered.

For further information please contact Rachel Berhang, Head of Workplace Relations and Human Resources via email on rachel.berhang@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 28 December 2025

Note: Due to the festive season, evaluations of this role could be delayed.

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment & Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au

South Melbourne > Port Melbourne > Albert Park > Middle Park > St Kilda > Balaclava > Ripponlea > Elwood