Employee Relations Service Manager

Join a high-performing, dedicated team in a supportive, collaborative culture.
- Lead sector advocacy consultation and education about industrial matters impacting employment in Local Government.
- Sector leading 6 weeks' annual leave (30 days)

**Employee Relations Service Manager**

**Full-time**

**$180,648.00 per annum inclusive of the superannuation guarantee**

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is currently on the lookout for an engaging and positive Employee Relations Service Manager to lead a team of highly skilled professionals to provide expert guidance in human resources and industrial relations advisory, consultancy and advocacy services to Local Government clients.

This is a unique opportunity to work across both the State and Federal industrial relations systems with Local Government clients located across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

**About the role**

This is interesting, meaningful work, with a focus on value add activities for our subscribing Local Government clients. At times the work is complex and challenging, it is both operational and strategic and we are looking for someone who can lead by example with a true passion for providing an exceptional level of customer service.

To be successful in this role you will have a reputation as a resilient team player and you will have depth in leading through change and developing service improvement initiatives, coupled with the ability to communicate at an exceptional level with senior management, unions, all levels of Government and our member clients.

**Key responsibilities**
- Demonstrates a consistent and visible commitment to WALGA's values and lead the team by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, continuous improvement and agility.
- Provide advice to Councils regarding CEO employment, manage sensitive enquiries regarding senior Local Government employees, act as the point of escalation for challenging enquiries and lead the team approach to advice on emerging legislative issues.
- Oversee the provision of verbal and / or written advice in response to member enquiries about human resource and or industrial matters that are within the employee relations (ER) service summary.
- Respond to clients' consultancy service needs, prepare or review cost estimates and respond to request for quote (RFQ) documents that fall within the scope of the ER service.
- Lead and oversee the management of sector ER advocacy projects.
- Provide feedback on and advocate to Government departments and Ministers on draft legislation and IR policy.
- Oversee the ER team in developing and delivering a suite of high quality and relevant training courses and deliver training courses to members as required.
- Manage all aspects of service provision for Northern Territory clients and liaising with other Local Government Associations on employee relations matters.
- Demonstrated experience leading a team of HR/IR professionals delivering advice and support within an organisation or in a service delivery capacity.
- Demonstrated experience working within the State and Federal industrial relations systems, including experience in the representation of client matters in industrial jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated exposure working with third parties, including unions, law firms and service providers, and being able to develop and maintain professional and influential relationships.
- Advanced knowledge and sound understanding of industrial instruments and how they operate, and experience negotiating enterprise/industrial agreements.
- Sound understanding of the _Fair Work Act 2009 _(Cth), _Industrial Relations Act 1979_ (WA), _Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 _(WA), anti-discrimination legislation and other employment legislation.
- Willingness to travel to visit regional members and attend or present at relevant interstate meetings and conferences.
- Tertiary qualifications in industrial relations, human resources, law or a related field is essential.
- Knowledge of the role of Local Government _(desirable but not essential)._
- **_The WALGA Employee Relations Service is not a legal service and does not provide legal advice. WALGA is a registered industrial agent under the Industrial Relations Act 1997 (WA)._**

**About WALGA**

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is an independent, member-based, not for profit organisation representing and supporting the WA Local Government sector. Our membership includes all 139 Local Governments in the State.

WALGA uses its influence, support, and expertise to deliver better outcomes for WA Local Governments and their communities. We do this through effective advocacy to all levels of Government on behalf of our members, and by the provision of expert advice, services, and support to Local Governments. WALGA's vision is for agile and inclusive Local Governments enhancing community wellbeing and enabling economic prosperity.