Senior Industrial Relations practitioners

Our Purpose

At Yarra Trams, we’re not just moving people — we’re moving Melbourne. Your journey is our passion, and it drives everything we do. From the tracks to the teams behind them, we’re committed to delivering world-class service — and it all starts with passionate people like you.

This is a great opportunity for experienced Senior Industrial Relations professionals to join our division across a several senior positions. Whether coming from a technical legal background, interpreting awards & legislation or someone who’s more union / client facing, there’s a position for you here at Yarra Trams.

About the team

Our small, but specialised Industrial Relations team provides expert advice on interpretation and application of industrial instruments, managing industrial disputes and complex case management. You will thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy combining strategic legal thinking with practical advice to help the business achieve their objectives while effectively managing industrial risk. You will be joining a supportive and collaborative IR team and work closely with senior leaders, executives. Depending on your background may also take on forward facing interactions with unions and other external stakeholders.

Enterprise bargaining across our workforce will also commence in early 2027 and the Industrial Relations team will play a key role in this process.

Please note that due to the specialist and more technical nature of this team, we're only seeking applications from degree qualified & admitted lawyers at this time.

About You

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for experienced Industrial Relations specialist looking to move into a strategic, business partnering role working within a complex and highly unionised environment. This role will suit someone who is passionate about the law and the broader Industrial Relations landscape. You may be with an external law firm and keen to move in-house, or already in-house and looking to grow your career or gain exposure to a different industry sector. The roles could be structured to suit someone who’s keen to be front facing with unions & internal stakeholders, or a technically minded professional who’s keen to deep-dive into issues in more of an advisory capacity.

Across our positions we’re looking for individuals who are able to:

• Manage industrial risks, right of entry, disputes, major organisational change and union consultation
  
  
• Interpret and apply Enterprise Agreements, Awards, employment contracts and relevant legislation
  
  
• Support the organisation in matters before the Fair Work Commission and other relevant industrial tribunals
  
  
• Sound knowledge of the Fair Work Act, Enterprise Agreements, Awards and workplace relations legislation
  
  
• Strong Industrial Relations experience working within a complex unionised environment
  
  
• Act as an escalation point and provide guidance to the HR team on complex case management
  
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

About our Recruitment Process

After your initial application, here’s what to expect.

• Review: We review and shortlist applications as they arrive, and we may progress strong candidates before the campaign closes. While most applications are assessed after the closing date, early applicants who closely match the role requirements may be contacted sooner. Every application is reviewed by a human to ensure a consistent and thorough evaluation.
  
  
• Interview: Our interviews are the best way for us to get to know you and determine your fit for the role through questions focused on your behaviours, skills and experiences. Our preference is to meet you face to face but we’re also happy to accommodate virtual interviews to suit your circumstances.
  
  
• Background & pre-employment checks: If you’re the preferred candidate we’ll ask you to go through a series of background checks, including references, working rights, drug & alcohol and medical checks which are standard for all positions within Yarra Trams
  
  
• Offer: Once we’ve had conversations around salary and notice periods, your offer will be extended to you via a secure online platform for your review and acceptance. We’ll then also be in touch with you as you go through Onboarding and your commencement

Why Yarra Trams?

We’re proud to be part of Melbourne’s heartbeat. At Yarra Trams, you’ll find a supportive team, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the lives of thousands of passengers every day.

As the operator of the world's largest tram network and an iconic part of Melbourne's transport system, Yarra Journey Makers is dedicated to serving communities by ensuring safe and reliable travel every day. Join a team focused on helping people and delivering better tram journeys to keep Melbourne moving forward.

Additionally, you will receive

• A Free travel pass for Victoria’s Public Transport Network
  
  
• Competitive salary and great conditions
  
  
• Career growth opportunities
  
  
• Workplace flexibility
  
  
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
  
• Access to our Paid Parental leave policies
  
  
  

Yarra Trams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Interested? Click Apply Now.