Director, Industrial Relations & Workplace Integrity

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) in Melbourne seeks an accomplished industrial relations leader to shape FRV's IR agenda during a period of significant workforce change. You will steer strategy at both strategic and operational levels, leading enterprise bargaining and industrial advocacy to support harmony and positive workplace outcomes.

You will work with senior leaders and unions to deliver expert advice on complex matters, align with People and Culture priorities, and drive workplace reforms

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise agreement negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of industrial and employment law.
• Ability to influence unions and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise bargaining and industrial advocacy activities.
• Maintain constructive relationships with unions.
• Provide expert advice on complex industrial matters.
• Align IR strategy with People and Culture priorities.

Skills

Industrial relations leadership

Enterprise bargaining

Industrial advocacy

Employment law knowledge

Stakeholder management

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DWRFRV

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern fire and rescue service that meets the needs of twenty-first century Victoria. Established on 1 July 2020, FRV serves to protect communities across Melbourne and Victoria’s major regional centres 24 hours a day, seven days a week, employing more than 3,500 operational career firefighters and 540 corporate, administrative, technical, workshop employees and apprentices.


Operating in 85 FRV fire stations that consist of 47 fire stations in metropolitan Melbourne and 38 regional stations, most of which are co-located with Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer brigades. Our highly trained people work proudly as one within the emergency services sector and provide support to communities throughout Australia and the world as required.


The functions of FRV under the Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 (Vic) are to provide fire suppression and fire prevention services across the prevention, preparedness, response, and
recovery continuum.


FRV delivers a range of fire and other emergency management services that includes; responding to fires, complex rescues, road crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous chemical spills and other emergencies, with the purpose to keep Victorian communities safe; drive systemic change to the built environment by advocating for reforms to building design, regulations and legislation and to educate the community through fire prevention programs that improve community safety and build resilience.

This position is being advertised by Department of Justice and Community Safety on behalf of Fire Rescue Victoria

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern, community-focused fire and rescue service committed to protecting life and property across Victoria. We deliver service excellence through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, working in partnership with government, communities, and sector stakeholders to enhance public safety outcomes.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and influential industrial relations leader to shape FRV's industrial relations agenda during a period of significant organisational and workforce change. Working at both a strategic and operational level, you will lead the evaluation, development and implementation of industrial relations strategies and practices that support FRV's objectives of industrial harmony, collaboration and positive workplace outcomes.

The role is responsible for leading enterprise bargaining and industrial advocacy activities, maintaining constructive relationships with unions, and providing expert advice on complex industrial matters. You will work closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders to deliver initiatives that support FRV's People and Culture priorities, including diversity and inclusion, workforce planning, employee safety and wellbeing, leadership capability, and continuous improvement of systems and processes.

This role will appeal to a strategic thinker who enjoys navigating complex industrial environments, influencing outcomes and building trusted relationships. In return, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the organisation's future direction, workplace culture and employee experience while contributing to initiatives that support both organisational performance and employee wellbeing.

About you

You are a highly accomplished industrial relations leader with a proven ability to deliver strategic and operational outcomes in complex, highly regulated environments. You bring extensive experience leading enterprise agreement negotiations, industrial advocacy and workplace reform, with a demonstrated capacity to influence and build credibility with unions, employees, executive leaders, governance bodies and other key stakeholders. Your expertise spans industrial and employment law, workplace legislation, dispute resolution and the interpretation of awards and agreements. Supported by strong judgement, sound decision-making and a pragmatic approach, you have a track record of leading positive change, achieving organisational objectives and fostering collaborative workplace relationships. Above all, you are a values-based leader who promotes fairness, respect and inclusion while creating high-performing teams and cultures.

How to apply

Your application should be submitted electronically to Max Campos, Corporate Talent Acquisition Manager at [e-mail]

If you have any questions in relation to this role, please contact Max for assistance on 0460 000 941.

Applications must include resume and a one-page cover letter outlining your expression of interest and relevant expertise for the position. Responses to key selection criteria are not required but may be requested at a later stage of the assessment process. Please refer to the attached Position Description for further details of the role and a full list of functional accountabilities:

Applications close:Applications will remain open until5.00 pm AEST Wednesday 21 October 2026.

This advertisement is open to applicants who are an Australian/New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Applications close Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11.59pm