Job Description

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Help shape fair, compliant and people‑centred workplaces, where purpose meets impact.

AFCA exists to stand on the side of fairness. As Australia’s independent financial complaints authority, we resolve complex issues that matter deeply to consumers and small businesses. Our People & Culture team plays a critical role in enabling this mission and we are now seeking a Senior Employment Relations Consultant to join us on a 12‑month contract during a period of heightened focus on workplace relations and organisational change.

This is a hands‑on, senior ER role where your expertise will genuinely influence outcomes, supporting leaders, guiding people practices, and ensuring our decisions are fair, legally sound and aligned to our values.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll act as a trusted specialist and partner to our People Partners and senior leaders, managing complex employee relations matters end‑to‑end, including:

• Investigations, grievances, misconduct and disciplinary matters
• Performance improvement and dispute resolution
• Employment legislation interpretation and compliance
• ER risk mitigation during organisational and workforce change
• Coaching leaders and People Partners to build ER capability and confidence
• Preparing ER insights, trend analysis and reporting to inform decision‑making
• Working closely with Legal, unions, external employment lawyers and the Fair Work Commission
• You’ll also contribute to the ongoing development of workplace relations frameworks, policies and leader capability initiatives as part of our Centre of Excellence model.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

You’re an experienced ER professional who thrives in complexity and brings both rigour and empathy to your work.

You likely have:

• Significant experience in a senior employment or employee relations role
• Strong working knowledge of Australian employment and industrial relations legislation
• Proven capability managing sensitive, high‑risk and complex ER cases
• Confidence influencing and advising senior leaders in a pragmatic, trusted way
• Experience engaging with unions, legal advisors and external tribunals
• A values‑led approach that balances risk, fairness and human impact
• Experience in financial services or regulated environments is beneficial but not essential.

Additional Information

• Silver AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Additional and inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at Careers@afca.org.au.

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018, AFCA has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers.

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.