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Director Industrial Relations
Public Sector Industrial Relations (PSIR); Industrial Relations; Office of Industrial Relations; Brisbane City
As a Director, in the Industrial Relations - Public Sector team, you will provide strategic advice to senior government leaders, drive whole-of-government industrial relations initiatives, and co-lead a high-performing team managing complex workplace relations matters. Working across agencies, unions and key stakeholders, you will shape industrial relations policy, bargaining strategies, certified agreements and workforce frameworks that support the Queensland public sector. If you are an accomplished leader with extensive industrial relations expertise, strong strategic judgement and the ability to influence at the highest levels, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on government priorities and workforce outcomes.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | HR & Industrial Relations |
| Classification | SO |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/702202/26 |
| Closing date | 08-Oct-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Tara Armstrong |
| Contact details | Phone: 0466 548 272 Access the National Relay Service |
The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) is seeking an experienced and strategic industrial relations leader to join the Industrial Relations Division as Director, Industrial Relations - Public Sector (IRPS).
In this key leadership role, you will provide expert industrial relations advice to senior executives, government decision-makers and leaders while leading a highperforming team delivering strategic industrial relations outcomes across the Queensland public sector.
Reporting to the Senior Director, you will lead the development and implementation of industrial relations strategies, policies and advice that support government priorities and workforce outcomes. Working closely with Directors across the division, central agencies, public sector employers, unions and other stakeholders, you will manage complex workplace relations matters and contribute to whole-of-government industrial relations initiatives.
The IRPS team supports implementation of the Government's industrial relations frameworks. This includes partnering with agencies on bargaining processes, developing industrial relations directives, policies and guidance materials, and supporting resolution of complex employment and workplace relations issues across the public sector, including government owned corporations.
As Director, you will be instrumental in shaping industrial relations outcomes through leadership of strategic projects and negotiations that shape the public sector environment.
Key responsibilities
In this role you will:
• Provide strategic and authoritative advice on complex industrial and workplace relations matters to senior leaders, executives and government decisionmakers.
• Lead the development and implementation of industrial relations strategies, frameworks, policies and initiatives that support government objectives and workforce outcomes.
• Exercise sound judgement and political acumen in managing sensitive matters, competing priorities and emerging risks.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with central agencies, public sector employers, unions and other stakeholders across Queensland.
• Lead, mentor and support a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, capability development and improvement.
• Contribute to whole-of-government industrial relations initiatives and strategic priorities across the Queensland public sector.
• Influence bargaining strategies, industrial arrangements and employment relations outcomes through effective negotiation, stakeholder engagement and leadership.
About you
You are a respected industrial relations professional with extensive experience operating in complex organisational or government environments, with strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, and the ability to provide practical advice on sensitive issues.
You will demonstrate:
• deep knowledge of Queensland public sector industrial relations, including relevant legislation, policy settings, government priorities and decision-making processes
• capability in building credibility and influencing decision-making at executive, government, union and sector levels to achieve strategic outcomes
• sound judgement and political acumen in complex and politically sensitive environments
• the ability to lead through others by mentoring, coaching and empowering staff
Qualifications in industrial relations, law, business, public policy or a related discipline are highly regarded.
This is an outstanding opportunity to influence industrial relations policy and practice across Queensland's public sector while delivering lasting outcomes for government, agencies and employees.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
