Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW; Orange City Council; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW in NSW is seeking a Senior Industrial Relations Advisor to provide expert IR advice across a geographically dispersed workforce. You will partner with leaders to deliver strategic and practical industrial relations solutions aligned with organisational objectives.

The role involves advising on instruments, employment legislation, performance matters, organizational change, and representing the department in tribunals and negotiations

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of industrial relations legislation, policies and employment frameworks.
• Experience delivering strategic and operational IR advice to management and staff.
• Proven track record in negotiations and dispute resolution with unions and external bodies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert industrial relations advice across a dispersed workforce.
• Advise on industrial instruments, legislation, performance and conduct matters.
• Represent the department in industrial tribunals and manage disputes.
• Collaborate with leaders to implement IR policies and programs.

Skills

Industrial relations knowledge

Policy implementation

Tribunal advocacy

Stakeholder negotiations

Job description

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW – Orange NSW

• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all DPIRD NSW locations.
• Clerk Grade 9/10– Salary starting from$133,348.00 per annum(FTE)plus super and leave loading

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

About the Role

The Industrial Relations team of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Industrial Relations Advisor to provide expert industrial relations advice and support across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce.

In this role, you will partner with leaders and stakeholders to deliver strategic and practical industrial relations solutions that support organisational objectives, workforce performance, and positive employee relations outcomes. You will provide advice on industrial instruments, employment legislation, performance and conduct matters, organisational change initiatives, and workforce management issues. You will also represent the department in industrial tribunals, manage industrial disputes, undertake consultations and negotiations with unions and external stakeholders, and contribute to the development and implementation of industrial relations policies and programs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced industrial relations professional to apply their expertise in a complex public sector environment while influencing workforce outcomes that support DPIRD's people and business priorities.

About You

You are a highly capable industrial relations practitioner with a strong understanding of industrial relations legislation, awards, policies, and employment frameworks. You bring proven experience providing strategic and operational advice on a broad range of industrial relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, organisational change, and dispute resolution.

You are a collaborative professional with excellent communication and analytical skills, capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, you are committed to delivering high-quality customer service, maintaining professional integrity, and supporting leaders to achieve fair, compliant, and effective workforce outcomes.

You will have:

• High level knowledge of industrial relations legislation, policies, practices and strategies.
• Experience in implementing client focused industrial relations strategies, programs and services including the delivery of presentations to management and staff.
• Experience in industrial relations advocacy before industrial tribunals.
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking successful negotiations and consultations with external stakeholders including unions, other Government agencies and employment law specialists.

Applications close: Sunday 4th October 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

Recruitment Adjustments

About us – together, we are DPIRD

The New South WalesDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development(DPIRD) protects,supportsand develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans,vegetationand forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse,equitableand inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability,religionand sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proudDisability Confident Recruiter,Family Inclusive EmployerandCarer Friendly Employer

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.