Principal Industrial Relations Adviser

About us

DTF serves government by providing leadership in economic, financial and resource management. We influence outcomes that can have a real impact on people's lives. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians. We value our people and motivate them to lead, influence, collaborate and innovate.

At DTF, you'll be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while offering flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth. You'll be working in the heart of State Government in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities to undertake stimulating work.

Industrial Relations Victoria

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.

Key accountabilities

• Facilitate resolution of public sector enterprise bargaining and industrial relations issues across the public sector.
• Contributes to expert strategic industrial relations advice to Ministers, senior management, departments and agencies on issues affecting the public sector.
• Establish 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
• Implement the Government's industrial relations policies across the public sector.
• Develops complex briefs, written reports and correspondence advising on a range of matters relating to public sector industrial relations.

Key selection criteria

• Demonstrated record of achievement in the provision of expert legal, policy, strategic and/or financial advice on industrial relations matters.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of industrial relations matters, including the Fair Work system, Victorian public sector industrial instruments, developments and trends in the state and federal public sector regulation.
• Extensive experience in achieving strategic industrial relations outcomes while working within Government policies and processes.
• Established strong relationships, or the capacity to develop strong relationships, with public sector bargaining stakeholders, including Government departments and agencies, the Fair Work Commission and public sector unions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, judgement and capacity to make decisions and recommendations taking into account a range of diverse interests and sensitivities.

Experience and qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in industrial relations, commerce or law.
• Experience in enterprise bargaining. Public sector 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. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Elise Lima Bosworth on

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, 21 September, 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.