This is a permanent full-time position commencing February 2026
The Industrial Relations Branch sits within the Industrial and Employee Relations Directorate of the People Services Division and is responsible for ensuring compliance with industrial instruments and relevant legislation, while supporting employees and managers on a range of workforce and industrial matters. Alongside the Employee Relations Branch, the Industrial Relations Branch contributes to the Department’s broader employee relations framework.
The Industrial Relations Branch provides strategic and operational advice to the Minister, Director General, Corporate Executive, school leaders and line managers on a range of industrial relations matters. The Branch operates in a complex industrial environment and is responsible for ensuring policies and practices in the Department are developed and consistently applied, workplace flexibility within legislative and economic constraints is implemented; and strategic, operational, industrial and complaint management advice, advocacy and negotiation services are provided to all central and regional offices and schools.
The Role
The Manager – Industrial Relations strategically leads, manages and supports a team of Industrial Relations Officers to develop industrial relations policies, procedures, practices and operational guidelines. You will manage and coordinate the resolution of industrial disputes and claims; referred grievances and equal employment/human rights matters across all areas within the Education portfolio. The Manager - Industrial Relations is also responsible for leading and coordinating the Department’s industrial bargaining and negotiations with Unions.
As the successful candidate, you will provide high level advice, data and information to the Director and other key stakeholders, including the development of strategic options, operational policies and procedures to improve the delivery of industrial relations services for the Directorate and to support the delivery of departmental outcomes. The Manager - Industrial Relations develops, promotes and manages the implementation of practices that support productive industrial relations, improved employment conditions and workplace flexibility within legislative and economic constraints, including the development and negotiation of industrial instruments.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
- Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
- Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
- Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
- Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow CAT bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Samuel Dane, Director Industrial and Employee Relations on 9264 5959 or emailing Samuel.Dane@education.wa.edu.au
We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1025072
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 16 February 2026.
