This is a six (6) month fixed term, full-time position commencing in September 2026 with possible extension and/or permanency
The Industrial and Employee Relations Directorate is responsible for ensuring that industrial instruments and legislative frameworks are complied with and that employees are supported in a range of discrete human resource matters. The Directorate is made up of two branches: Industrial Relations and Employee Relations. The Directorate provides strategic and operational advice to the Minister, Director General, school leaders and line managers on a range of industrial and employee relations matters.
The Employee Relations Branch operates in a complex industrial environment and is responsible for ensuring policies and practices in the Department are developed and consistently applied, improved employment conditions and workplace flexibility within legislative and economic constraints; and the provision of strategic, operational, industrial and complaint management advice, advocacy and negotiation in relation to all central and regional offices and schools.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to fill the role of Manager - Employee Relations. This key position will strategically lead and manage a team that develops and applies employee relations policies, including the Employee Performance and Development Policy, and procedures to achieve the initiatives and objectives of the Directorate’s Operational Plan and Departmental requirements. You will play a pivotal role in developing, promoting and managing the implementation of practices that support productive employee relations, improved employment conditions and workplace flexibility within legislative and economic constraints.
In this role, you will provide high-level advice on complex employee relations matters to senior stakeholders, including the Minister and Director General. Responsibilities include coordinating the resolution of industrial disputes, grievances, and performance issues, as well as representing the Department in senior-level forums and industrial tribunals across all areas within the Education portfolio. A crucial part of your work will involve building strong partnerships with unions and ensuring staff performance is managed in accordance with public sector standards. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader with expertise in employee relations, industrial strategy, and stakeholder engagement to make a meaningful impact in the Department of Education.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- 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).
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 & Employee Relations on (08) 9264 5959 or by 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 four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
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: DOE1057358
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 Friday, 17 July 2026
