District Manager - Industrial and Employee Relations - Location Negotiable within MNCLHD

NSW Health; Coffs Harbour; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Health is seeking a District Manager, Industrial and Employee Relations, to provide strategic leadership across the district’s workforce relations, workplace conduct and governance frameworks. You will guide expert advice on employment law, awards interpretation, grievances and investigations, while building strong partnerships with unions and senior stakeholders.

Based in the Mid North Coast Local Health District with flexible location within the MNCLHD, this full-time role requires proven

Qualifications

• Experience leading industrial relations in large organisations.
• Strong knowledge of NSW Health Awards and employment legislation.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advisory to executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across industrial and employee relations and workplace conduct.
• Advise on employment legislation, award interpretation, workforce reform and investigations.
• Lead relationships with unions and employee representatives; manage workplace risk.
• Support organisational change and continuous improvement of workforce frameworks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Industrial relations knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

People and culture governance

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Industrial Relations, HR, Employment Law, or Management

Job description

District Manager - Industrial and Employee Relations - Location Negotiable within MNCLHD

Employment Type:PermanentFull Time
Position Classification:Health Manager Level 4
Remuneration:$153,559 - $182,954
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ705254
Advertising Closes: 23 November 2026

Employment with Mid North Coast LHD requires candidates to hold a valid authority to work in Australia (Aust Work Rights Visa).

About the Role

The District Manager Industrial and Employee Relations provides strategic leadership and direction across the district’s industrial relations, employee relations and workplace conduct functions. The role is responsible for ensuring effective, consistent and contemporary workforce management practices through the development and continuous improvement of frameworks, systems and processes that support organisational priorities and meet legislative, industrial and policy obligations.

Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Managers and People and Culture leaders, the position provides high-level strategic advice and expert guidance on complex industrial and employee relations matters, including employment legislation, award interpretation, workforce reform, organisational change, grievances, misconduct and workplace investigations.

The role also leads the development of productive relationships with unions and employee representatives, provides oversight of workplace investigations and employee relations matters, and proactively manages organisational risk. Through strong leadership, sound judgement and strategic collaboration, the District Manager plays a critical role in promoting positive workplace relationships, supporting organisational change and fostering a fair, compliant and accountable workplace culture across the district.

This is a Full-Time permanent position in the Mid North Coast Local Health District with office locations in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

About You

You are an experienced and strategic industrial and employee relations leader with extensive knowledge and a proven ability to lead and manage complex workforce matters within large and complex organisations. You bring strong technical expertise across industrial relations, employment legislation, NSW Health Awards, enterprise agreements and workforce governance, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Employment Law, Management or a related discipline.

You have demonstrated experience leading specialist teams and overseeing complex industrial and employee relations matters, including industrial disputes, grievances, misconduct, workplace investigations and high‑risk employment issues. You are confident in leading consultation and negotiations, building productive relationships with unions and employee representatives, and engaging effectively with senior stakeholders.

As a trusted strategic adviser, you provide sound, evidence‑based advice and recommendations to executive leaders on complex workforce matters, industrial relations strategy and organisational change. You bring highly developed communication, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence and capability to represent the organisation in industrial forums, commissions, tribunals and formal proceedings.

You are a collaborative and decisive leader with strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities. You demonstrate the ability to lead organisational change, drive workforce reform and deliver continuous improvement, while fostering positive workplace relationships and ensuring fair, consistent and compliant employment practices.

Mid North Coast Local Health Districtis committed to building a diverse workforcethat reflects and understands the community we serve.We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace culturewhere everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong.As an equal opportunity employer,we welcome applications from candidates of all cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

This is a Category B position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive for Category B positions prior to offer.

All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined under the General questions section at Occupational assessment screening and vaccination - FAQ

Salary will be accordance with NSW Health State Awards for the advertised classification/s. These awards are available at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/conditions/pages/default.aspx.

Are you interested in moving to the Mid North Coast? Learn more at The Welcome Experience. A free service supporting businesses, essential workers and their families who are considering moving or have made the move to regional NSW.

A TALENT POOL MAY BE CREATED FOR FUTURE ROLES AND WILL REMAIN VALID FOR 18 MONTHS.