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NOTE: this role can be based in Melbourne or Sydney

Help us deliver a better tomorrow 

Australia Post is delivering for all Australians. From the vehicles that we drive, to the small businesses that make our communities thrive. We’re delivering for the environment, for our communities, for our customers and for our people. We’re moving forward and we want you to come along for the ride.   

About the opportunity  

Reporting to a Head of Legal supporting People & Culture (P&C), Network Operations and Community, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement (CS&SE) teams, you will be a Lawyer with an employment/IR law background, or general corporate & commercial experience, responsible for providing broad legal advice and support to stakeholders, with a focus on the Network Operations business unit. 

Network Operations team play a critical role in planning, building and maintaining infrastructure and operations across the enterprise while meeting agreed service, cost and performance targets. It is responsible for delivering billions of items annually to millions of delivery points across Australia and around the world. Network Operations includes Australia Post letter and parcel delivery, StarTrack Express, Premium Services, fleet and asset management, operations technology and facility property. 

Working closely with key stakeholders to navigate rapid change in the road transport industry, you will support this key area of the business which is continually evaluating its processes and simplifying its operating model.

You’ll also  

• Review, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements relating to our large contractor workforce, and other supplier agreements
• Provide advice on employment law/IR related issues arising in connection with the contractor network, including sham contracting, misconduct and contractor compliance with obligations under both state and federal employment and safety laws
• Manage and resolve disputes with suppliers and contractor workforce, including parties represented by trade unions
• Develop strong stakeholder relationships throughout Network Operations to become a trusted advisor providing both proactive and reactive advice to support complex matter management and identify risks
• Monitor legislative and industrial changes and assess impact on contractor workforce with a focus on the road transport industry
• The provision of legal advice to support the compliance initiatives of Australia Post in the contractor network, including the audit of contractors to ensure compliance with workplace laws
• Manage matters that escalate to external forums including state Industrial Relations Commissions, Fair Work Commission, and Courts. Represent Australia Post in disputes, mediation, conciliation hearings, and in negotiations with unions on industrial matters concerning the contractor workforce. Manage litigation in employment related matters in the Federal Court and Federal Circuit Court
• Management and advice on third party personal injury and workers compensation recovery claims by working closely with, and providing instructions to, our insurers and external legal counsel
• Provide legal advice with respect to Australia Post’s whistleblower obligations under Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act) or the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2002 (Cth) (NACC Act) and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) including provision of support in complex investigations involving matters such as fraud and misconduct
• Other commercial and ad hoc legal advice as and when required 

 About you  

• At least 5 years post-admission experience, ideally gained from top or mid-tier law firms or in-house (with strong legal training)
• Strong employment/IR and contractor/general commercial experience  
• Hold an unrestricted Australian practicing certificate
• Client centric - commercially minded, adaptable and able to hit the ground running
• Able to operate autonomously, but also enjoy partnering with businesses and managing stakeholder relationships
• Able to build strong relationships and effectively influence internal and external stakeholders

 How we’ll deliver for you

• Be part of a culture where everybody feels they belong, are valued, and can bring their authentic self to work every day. 
• We deliver on our values of Trust, Inclusivity, Empowerment and Safety every day. They’re the TIES that bind our team together. 
• Immerse yourself in the AP Way – where every single team member partakes in a learning module to help understand the vital role we play in delivering on our strategy and purpose

We’re delivering together 
At Australia Post, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as employees.
 
We believe our business should reflect the diverse communities we operate in and are proud to be an inclusive workplace for people from all walks of life. We encourage applications from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, People with Disability, LGBTQIA+ and Refugees. We are one of the largest organisations in Australia to successfully achieve Disability Confident Recruiter status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process and workplace for those living with a disability and are committed to reviewing and removing bias in our processes to create a gender-equitable recruitment experience and workplace.  If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact our Diversity & Inclusion team on inclusivecareers@auspost.com.au