WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking a highly capable professional with a strong background in Employee and Industrial Relations to join our team in Sydney. This is a unique opportunity to work with high-profile clients in a dynamic and complex environment that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities found in government, and politically sensitive sectors.

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in Industrial and Employee Relations, ideally within a high-profile or government setting.
• A solid understanding of union engagement and negotiation, with experience in managing union-related matters being highly desirable.
• Familiarity with IRC and tribunal proceedings, including case preparation and representation.
• A background in ER/IR, with the ability to navigate sensitive workplace issues and drive positive outcomes.
• Experience working in environments similar to Human Services, or other high-stakes, politically nuanced sectors.
• Candidates with an employment law background may find their skills highly transferable to this role.

If you’re passionate about shaping fair and effective workplace practices and enjoy working in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Download the role description.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

YOUR ROLE

Are you a strategic and people-focused leader ready to make a real impact?
We’re looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the Employee and Industrial Relations team at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). In this pivotal role, you’ll guide a team of specialists who partner with business areas across DCJ to navigate complex and sensitive employee relations matters.
You’ll provide high-quality, consistent advice and services that support fair, effective, and timely outcomes—helping shape a positive workplace culture and contributing to the success of the agency.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Manager within Employee and Industrial Relations, you’ll play a critical leadership role in shaping a fair, responsive, and high-performing workplace across the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). You’ll lead a team of specialists and work closely with senior executives, unions, and stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes in a complex and high-profile environment.

In this role, you will:

• Coach and advise senior executives, providing proactive, high-level strategic guidance to effectively manage industrial relations matters.
• Identify and respond to emerging employee relations issues, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to support the evolving needs of the business.
• Design and implement employee relations initiatives, influencing decision-makers with solutions that align with legislative requirements and support a productive, capable workforce.
• Lead complex industrial matters and union negotiations, ensuring fair, pragmatic, and sustainable resolutions to disputes and major issues.

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in Industrial and Employee Relations, ideally within a high-profile or government setting.
• A solid understanding of union engagement and negotiation, with experience in managing union-related matters being highly desirable.
• Familiarity with IRC and tribunal proceedings, including case preparation and representation.
• A background in ER/IR, with the ability to navigate sensitive workplace issues and drive positive outcomes.
• Experience working in environments similar to Human Services, or other high-stakes, politically nuanced sectors.
• Candidates with an employment law background may find their skills highly transferable to this role