Manager, Industrial and Employee Relations

Manager, Industrial and Employee Relations The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) provides a range of services to support approximately 3,500 staff in 45 vibrant and dynamic Catholic school communities that serve more than 18,000 students. The DLCS assists schools to build teaching and leadership capabilities in communities of professional educators who share responsibility for school improvement and for achieving the best outcomes for our students. This position can be based in: Tweed Heads NSW, Lismore NSW, Coffs Harbour NSW, or Port Macquarie NSW. Full-time, permanent position. Start date to be negotiated with the successful candidate. The Rewards: Salary: Attractive salary dependent on skills and experience + 12% superannuation Additional benefits: Salary packaging, long service leave after 5 years of continuous service, work laptop, mobile phone, company car and fuel card Working hours: 7‑hour working day, 35‑hour week Flexibility: Achieve both work‑life balance and the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration with your peers with our hybrid working model Staff wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Program, free annual flu vaccinations, discounted gym and aquatic memberships through our Fitness Passport Growth: Learning and career development opportunities. Position Purpose: Working as an integral member of the People and Culture Team, the Manager Industrial and Employee Relations is the principal strategic leader accountable for developing, governing, and executing the industrial and employee relations strategy for the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS). This senior role establishes and maintains the strategic industrial relations framework across all DLCS schools and the DLCS office, ensuring systemic compliance, effective risk mitigation, and contemporary people solutions. The position acts as the authority on the interpretation and application of all industrial instruments and employment legislation, and co‑leads all high‑stakes enterprise bargaining and advocacy processes to achieve optimal outcomes aligned with the mission and strategic objectives of the DLCS. This role supports the underlying Mission of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore by delivering services that contribute to enabling students to achieve the fullness of life. Work Requirements: A current/valid Australian Driver’s Licence and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment. Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check, or ability to obtain if the successful candidate. A cleared National Police Check, or ability to obtain if the successful candidate. Requirement to travel between locations (as required). Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in Employment Relations, Law, Human Resources or equivalent. Work Experience: Proven experience negotiating, or assisting with negotiations on enterprise agreements in a large and complex business environment (within the education sector is desirable). Experience engaging with Unions and employees to resolve complex ER/IR situations. Key Capabilities: Demonstrated thought leadership and comprehensive experience in the Industrial Relations system, Acts and laws, including the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, policies and enterprise agreements. Ability to maintain confidentiality, ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. Proven executive‑level credibility and advanced skills in leading and influencing strategic outcomes across multiple senior stakeholders, including the ability to achieve successful outcomes in complex, high‑stakes negotiations. Experienced user of HR Information Management Systems and business tools to support employment relations activities (PageUp, EmpowerHR are desirable). Attention to detail with strong planning and organisational skills. Plus, the following generic criteria: Knowledge of WHS and equity principles in the workplace. Respect and uphold the ethos and teachings of the Catholic Church and the values of the Employer. Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church’s mission. Your cover letter must address the key capabilities listed above. Applications close: 11am, Wednesday 10 December 2025. The advertisement closing date is subject to change without notice, and interviews may commence prior to the official closure. Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools. For identified child related roles, Child Protection legislation requires preferred candidates to hold a valid NSW WWCC. An equal‑opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr