Job Description

Job Title: EL1 Workplace Relations Manager

Security Clearance: Baseline

Duration: Initial 12 months with possible extension

Industry: Australian Government

Functional Expertise: Human Resources

Sub-functional Expertise: Workplace Relations / Employee Relations

Location of work: Canberra

Working arrangements: Full Time (with full-time benefits)

Closing date: 9AM Friday, 7 August 2026

Description

Our client is seeking an experienced EL1 Workplace Relations Manager to lead the delivery of workplace relations initiatives that support organisational strategy, workforce capability and legislative compliance. This role provides strategic advice across enterprise bargaining, industrial and employee relations, workplace policies and employment conditions while fostering productive relationships with leaders, employees and employee representative groups.

The successful candidate will provide expert guidance on complex workplace matters, contribute to organisational reform initiatives and ensure workplace relations practices align with legislative and organisational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage workplace relations and enterprise bargaining activities, including the development, implementation and review of enterprise agreements, workplace policies and employment frameworks.
• Provide strategic advice on workplace relations matters, supporting leaders to manage employment conditions, organisational change, industrial risks and complex employee relations issues.
• Manage performance, conduct and employee relations matters, providing strategic advice and support to leaders on underperformance, misconduct, probation and other sensitive workforce matters, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes.
• Manage relationships with employee representatives and relevant stakeholders, including consultation, negotiation and engagement activities that support positive workplace outcomes.
• Drive workplace relations governance and compliance, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements, APS policy settings and organisational obligations.
• Develop and review workplace policies, procedures and guidance materials, supporting consistent and contemporary people management practices.
• Manage workplace relations projects and initiatives, contributing to organisational reform, workforce strategy and continuous improvement outcomes.

Requirements

• Experience providing workplace relations advice, including enterprise bargaining, employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation and the application of employment legislation.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, enterprise agreements and workplace policies.
• Experience providing strategic advice on complex workplace matters and managing organisational risk.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience developing workplace policies, frameworks or employment-related initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to deliver outcomes in a complex environment.

Key Capabilities

• Strategic workplace relations expertise.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply employment legislation.
• Strong policy development and governance capability.
• Ability to manage complex employee relations matters and organisational change initiatives.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience supporting enterprise bargaining, workplace reform or organisational change initiatives.
• Experience engaging with unions or employee representative groups.
• Government or public sector workplace relations experience.

How to apply

Please submit your application including your resume and a completed application form addressing the essential and desirable criteria. Ensure your application highlights your experience and any relevant certifications.