Senior Industrial Relations Policy Adviser

Senior Industrial Relations Policy Adviser Job Function: Other Work Type: Ongoing - full time Department: Department of Treasury and Finance About this role About us The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians. Group/Division/Branch The Industrial Relations Victoria (IRV) division provides strategic industrial relations legislative, policy and technical advice to the Government and departments. IRV develops and reviews regulatory frameworks to support a positive industrial relations environment and fair and productive workplaces, secure work and gender equity. IRV also oversees industrial relations matters and enterprise bargaining and processes across the Victorian public sector. It works towards achieving a positive working environment for all Victorians through engagement with public and private sector employers, workers, and other stakeholders and representatives. IRV consists of the Office of the Deputy Secretary, the Private Sector Industrial Relations group and the Public Sector Industrial Relations group. This Branch helps the Government to implement its policy objectives while promoting excellence in industrial relations and progressive employment practices. This Branch provides guidance to public sector employers and unions on industrial relations matters. It provides enterprise bargaining oversight and support to public sector employers and unions as well as leading the negotiation of the VPS Enterprise Agreement. About the role In this role, you will support the senior leadership team through the implementation of the Government's public sector industrial relations policies and the provision of advice and support on industrial relations matters. You may directly oversee and participate in non‑major enterprise bargaining across public sector agencies. It is critical to the role that you assist departments and agencies navigate the enterprise bargaining framework and public sector industrial relations policies and facilitate resolutions to industrial relations issues that arise during bargaining and in day‑to‑day operations. This role will primarily support the public sector enterprise bargaining stream of work but may also be called upon to support the development and implementation of whole‑of‑government workforce policies. Key accountabilities Assist in providing strategic industrial relations advice to senior management, departments and agencies on issues affecting the public sector. Establish and actively foster collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including public sector departments, agencies and unions, and represent IRV and the Victorian Government at meetings, negotiations and consultations with a range of stakeholders. Develop, implement and provide advice on the Government's industrial relations policies across the public sector. Prepare and review briefs, written reports and correspondence advising on a range of matters relating to public sector industrial relations, including the commencement of bargaining and the approval of a final agreement. Assist with and facilitate resolution of public sector enterprise bargaining and industrial relations issues. Regularly engage with external stakeholders and brief senior leaders about the progress of bargaining. Key Selection Criteria Comprehensive knowledge of industrial relations matters, including the Fair Work system and legislative framework, and how it applies to Victorian public sector departments and agencies, enterprise bargaining and agreement making, and developments and trends in federal and state workplace relations matters. A lateral thinker, with demonstrated experience in achieving strategic outcomes while working within legislative requirements and/or Government policies and processes. Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with public sector stakeholders at all levels, including Government departments, public sector agencies and/or public sector unions. Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies to ensure support for proposals, policy development, policy positions, and/or a particular outcome and the ability to explore alternatives to ensure support without foregoing key objectives. Highly developed written skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise and easy to understand briefs, submissions, policy documents and written advice dealing with complex subject matter / issues. Experience and qualifications A tertiary qualification in law, industrial relations, or commerce will be highly regarded. Experience in enterprise bargaining, particularly public sector enterprise bargaining experience, will be highly regarded. About our culture We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment. The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements. Further Information For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. How to apply To apply, select the ‘Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 18 December 2025. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team. Covid-19 Vaccination DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated. #J-18808-Ljbffr