Senior Industrial Officer
National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) Victorian Division
Southbank, Melbourne | Ongoing Full-Time Position
- Level 8: $145,281 - $158,684 + 17% superannuation
- Progressive workplace with strong values and purpose
- Opportunity to shape outcomes across Victoria's tertiary education sector
Help lead industrial outcomes that make a difference.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) represents staff working across universities, TAFEs, research institutes, student unions, and adult and community education throughout Australia. Our members include Academic, Professional, Research and General staff committed to strengthening the tertiary education sector.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Industrial Officer to join our Victorian Division team based in Southbank.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior industrial relations professional who thrives in complex negotiations, advocacy, and member representation, and who is passionate about advancing workplace rights and equitable outcomes across the higher education sector.
About the Role
Working closely with workplace branches and Division leadership, you will lead the Victorian Division's industrial function and provide expert industrial and strategic advice across a broad range of matters.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Division's Industrial Team and contributing to strategic union campaigns and priorities
- Providing high-level industrial relations advice to members, branches, and Division leadership
- Preparing and advocating matters before the Fair Work Commission, tribunals, and courts
- Managing workplace grievances, disputes, and complex industrial matters
- Leading and supporting major Enterprise Bargaining negotiations
- Negotiating directly with university and institutional management on behalf of members
- Providing technical expertise and mentoring within the broader industrial team
This role will suit someone who combines strong advocacy capability with strategic thinking, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
About You
You are an experienced industrial relations or employment law professional with the ability to navigate complex workplace environments and deliver strong outcomes for members.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in industrial relations, employment law, advocacy, or union representation
- Strong knowledge of workplace legislation, enterprise bargaining, and dispute resolution processes
- Demonstrated advocacy experience before industrial tribunals and/or courts
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- The ability to provide strategic industrial advice in high-pressure environments
- A collaborative leadership style and commitment to social justice and workplace equity
Why Join NTEU?
At NTEU, your work directly contributes to improving conditions and protecting the rights of workers across Victoria's tertiary education sector.
We offer:
- A rewarding and meaningful career
- A collaborative and progressive workplace culture
- Excellent employment conditions under a national collective agreement
- 17% employer superannuation
- The opportunity to work alongside passionate and experienced colleagues committed to positive change
Some travel to Victorian campuses may be required from time to time.
How to apply
To apply, visit:https://nteu.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies
and enter reference code: 6893750
Applications should address the requirements of the position and include the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications close: 6pm, Monday 1 June 2026
Applications should be addressed to: Sarah Roberts Victorian Division Secretary
NTEU is committed to diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.
Applicants from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration during the selection process.
Join us in advocating for fair, inclusive, and equitable workplaces across Victoria's higher education sector.