Manager - Industrial Relations

Lead a dynamic team in driving impactful enterprise bargaining initiatives that shape fair and effective workplace agreements across the Department of Education. This critical role supports organisational goals by fostering collaboration, navigating complex industrial relations, and ensuring alignment with legislative frameworks. This position is available on a permanent, full-time basis; however, we also welcome applications from candidates interested in a 12 month secondment opportunity. About Us The Industrial Relations (IRS) team, within the Human Resources Strategy Branch plays a critical role in managing the Department of Education's industrial relations framework. The IRS team leaders five complex bargaining rounds for the department, including managing industrial action, scope applications, and industrial disputes related to bargaining. Your Role This Brisbane-based AO8 Manager role within the Industrial Relations team at the Department of Education offers an exciting opportunity to lead enterprise bargaining initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Industrial Relations Strategy, you will join a team to deliver complex industrial relations projects, ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks and alignment with organisational priorities. The team's work is dynamic and evolves throughout the bargaining cycle, with agreements expiring every three years. This role involves driving enterprise bargaining initiatives that shape fair and effective collective workplace agreements across the department. It also requires engaging with stakeholders, providing expert advice, and evaluating trends to ensure informed decision-making and alignment with best practices. Responsibilities Manage multiple enterprise bargaining agreements, projects, and related activities aligned with legislative and organisational changes and strategic goals, ensuring timely and effective outcomes that support workforce priorities and comply with legislation. Conduct extensive research and analysis to develop innovative enterprise bargaining strategies and solutions that address complex workforce challenges and align with organisational objectives. Support enterprise bargaining outcomes and agreements being translated into clear, user-friendly policies, procedures, and tools, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and enhancing operational efficiency in a dynamic work environment. Engage with external stakeholders, including unions, employee associations, the Office of Industrial Relations (OIR), and the Public Sector Commission (PSC), in relation to making collective workplace agreements. Provide expert strategic advice on enterprise bargaining matters, through multiple forums including facilitating in-person negotiations, preparing briefing materials, and delivering reports to the Minister, Director-General, and other senior executive leaders. About You Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders. Proven experience in enterprise bargaining, industrial relations, or workforce policy development within a complex organisational or government environment. Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within tight deadlines. Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities, including mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex workforce challenges. Benefits Generous superannuation contributions of up to 12.75%. Flexible work arrangements, including options for part-time or full-time employment, to support work-life balance. Convenient Brisbane-based location with easy access to public transport and nearby amenities. Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation. Application Process Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position. Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history). Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section. Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description. We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. Occupational group: HR & Industrial Relations #J-18808-Ljbffr