Manager, Workplace Relations

About us
The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government.
We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses.
We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.
About the role
Are you passionate about fostering positive and inclusive workplace relationships and driving impactful change?
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Workplace Relations Manager to join our People & Culture team.
If you thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment and enjoy a varied mix of both BAU and project work, this role is for you
As our workplace relations specialist reporting to the Director, People & Culture, Policy and Strategy you will play a key role in providing policy and industrial relations advice.
Under our corporate shared services model, you will work closely with our People & Culture Business Partners and line managers to address operational matters, including Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) interpretation, performance management, misconduct, and workplace investigations.
Your strategic insights will help identify and mitigate industrial relations risks, ensuring positive outcomes for our employees and our three client departments – the Department of Government Services, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) and the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).
As part of the People & Culture leadership team, you will lead our specialised workplace relations team.
You will demonstrate a sound understanding of contemporary developments in industrial relations and will work cross-functionally, delivering quality outcomes and excellence in service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
* Consult and support managers and employees on industrial relations and complex People & Culture matters.
* Proactively address potential or active industrial relations issues and drive timely resolutions.
* Represent the department in VPS-wide committees and the Fair Work Commission.
* Lead on the continuous improvement of the industrial landscape including leading EBA negotiations for relevant department Appendices and facilitating EBA negotiation activities for DGS and shared service clients.
* Conduct and/or coordinate workplace investigations and manage grievance procedures.
* Coordinate the development and review of People & Culture policies and procedures.
* Coach and train managers on policies, processes and industrial instruments.
* Participate in union consultations and dispute resolutions.
* Review remuneration practices for Enterprise Bargaining compliance.
* Promote continuous improvement and innovation in practices.
About you
To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:
* Degree qualifications in HR, business, or similar is highly desirable.
* Extensive specialist experience in leading and managing a complex workplace relations or industrial relations function in a highly sensitive environment and preferably within a government context.
* Strong track record of providing high level expertise on contemporary and innovative employee relations and industrial relations solutions, using complex technical information to inform high quality and timely advice to senior stakeholders.
* High level understanding of the legislative and industrial frameworks that applies to the Victorian Public Service, including the Public Administration Act 2024, the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.
For specific responsibilities please review the attached position description.
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
How to apply
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Sunday, 14 September 2025.
All applications should include:
* a resume; and
* a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)
Other relevant information
The department 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 DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DGS employees be fully vaccinated.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form.
Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.
DGS actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace.
We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
All roles at DGS can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.