Manager Industrial Relations

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Provide expert advice on complex industrial matters in a large organisation
• Ongoing full-time opportunity (35 hours per week)
• Office location – Parramatta, with other NSW locations considered, flexible working options available
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $149,739.00 to $173,173.00 plus super

What's in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

As the Manager, Industrial Relations, you will lead a high-performing team and provide expert guidance on complex industrial matters, policies, and practices. This role ensures the Department navigates employee issues and grievances, and organisational change with clarity, fairness, and strategic intent. You will deliver authoritative advice on industrial instruments and statutory provisions, helping shape policy and reform and reach positive outcomes in a dynamic and high-impact environment.

Operating within a challenging industrial landscape you will maintain impartiality while advocating for the Department's interests. You will prepare robust submissions and witness evidence for appeal hearings before tribunals and the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, and act as the Department's advocate when required. As a leader, you will also mentor and manage a team of innovative, customer-focused People and Culture specialists, building capability and driving future-focused industrial relations outcomes.

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Industrial Relations

What you will bring to the role

• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying industrial instruments and legislation to deliver sound, strategic advice in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to present persuasive submissions and evidence before tribunals, ensuring clarity, rigour and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges and adapt to evolving situations.
• Proven leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve shared goals.
• Solid time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Resilience and a positive attitude to persevere through obstacles and maintain productivity during challenging times.
• Capable of driving outcomes while effectively involving stakeholders throughout the process, fostering collaboration and buy-in.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualifications in human resources, industrial relations or a related field, and/or equivalent experience.

• Sound knowledge and understanding of NSW industrial relations systems and employment law, and governing legislation, issues and trends.

• Experience in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution and in the preparation and presentation of cases at industrial tribunals.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday, 3 November at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role, please contact Marissa Duncan, Manager Workplace Relations at or for further details.

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.