Legal Counsel Workplace Relations

Legal Counsel - Workplace Relations

• Provide legal advice on a variety of workplace and industrial matters
• Permanent Full-Time opportunity located in our North Sydney Office
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment

About us

As Australia’s largest private rail freight company, we are integral in keeping Australia’s economy moving. With a rich history dating back to 1855 we are incredibly proud of our heritage and the essential role we continue to play in supporting Australia’s supply chain. We haul a variety of freight including coal, intermodal containers, steel, and a range of bulk commodities and materials.  

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Workplace Relations team, reporting to the Senior Manager Workplace Relations, we are seeking a Legal Counsel - Workplace Relations to join the team on a permanent basis.

Working as part of a collaborative and dynamic team, the Legal Counsel Workplace Relations will provide legal advice on a variety of workplace relations and industrial matters at Pacific National. The Legal Counsel leads representation on a full range of workplace issues including enterprise bargaining, change management, case management, litigation, dispute resolution and compliance.

Delivering valued services for a large and complex business that is investing in new assets, technology, infrastructure, and strategic locations, you will be supported by a manager who focusses on your wellbeing and creates the space to operate autonomously and find the kind of work that energises you. Flexibility will be offered to the right candidate.

 Key accountabilities include:

• Lead industrial strategy and tactics on enterprise agreement negotiations
• Resolve industrial disputes, including advocacy in industrial tribunals
• Keep abreast of legislative and case law changes and advise the business accordingly
• Deliver timely, sound, high quality and cost-effective legal advice that meets the strategic objectives of the businesses (this also includes managing advice provided by external lawyers)
• Ensure compliance to legislation in relation to enterprise agreements and bargaining process and assist in negotiations as required.
• Manage workplace relations caseload including Fair Work Commission (FWC) activities and employment related litigation.
• Managing the legal risk profile in relation to workplace relations matters.
• Educate, coach and mentor others to ensure the best possible industrial and workplace relations outcomes are achieved across the business.
• Assisting in the development of policies, procedures, and training programmes for staff on relevant legal issues.
• Develop and maintain key internal and external stakeholders (including trade unions). 

About you

We’re looking for a skilled and strategic legal professional with deep expertise in workplace relations. Ideal candidates will possess the following experience, skills, and attributes:

• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent qualification, admitted to practice as a lawyer in Australia (unrestricted practicing certificate)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience practising law in the industrial/workplace relations arena (either in a law firm, in house or industry group)
• Skilful and competent advocate
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment frameworks and associated legislation.
• Prior experience in the logistics, construction or heavy industries is preferred.   
• Strong drafting skills
• Excellent strategic skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• Collaborative approach achieving success with and through others
• Experience in private practice and/or in a sound in-house commercial environment 

The benefits

We prioritise diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where every team member is valued and can bring their authentic selves to work. When you join us, you'll have the opportunity to: 

• Pursue growth and career development 
• Access mentoring programs 
• Enjoy paid parental leave up to 14 weeks (with superannuation) after just 6 months of service 
• Access our Employee Assistance Program for confidential counselling, free for you and your eligible family members 
• Benefit from novated leasing and discounts on select health insurance, travel, retail brands, and more. 

To find out more about Pacific National, our benefits and opportunities we offer, visit our careers page: www.pacificnational.com.au/careers. We are proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for women, and you can visit our Work180 page Pacific National | WORK180 Endorsed Employer to find out more! 

We are seeking applicants who share our values: Make it simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own it. These values help us achieve strong connections with everyone we work with and play an important part in motivating us all to do our best work. 

What our employees say about working at Pacific National: 

Pacific National’s Women Connect Series 2023 was a fantastic event, beyond networking it gives women confidence in the workplace.

Closing date

Applications close on the 13th of May 2025

Next steps

Are you ready to be part of our future? Click on the 'Apply' button and follow the prompts.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of​ the land on which we work, live and rail.​ We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the​ continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices​ of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.