Premier’s Department

Manager, Public Sector Industrial Relations

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Lead a team of experienced industrial relations professionals, providing advice on complex IR matters.
• Opportunity to influence public sector-wide industrial strategies and complex employee relations projects.
• Ongoing, Clerk Grade 11/12 ($149,739 - $173,174 per annum + Super) opportunity, based in Martin Place, Sydney.

About the Role

As the Manager, Public Sector Industrial Relations, you will lead a team of high-level specialists responsible for providing timely, expert, strategic and operational advice on industrial relations issues within the NSW Public Sector. In this role you will advise and collaborate with government agencies, employee organisations and key stakeholders to secure optimal industrial cooperation and agreement to ensure the implementation of cross-sector industrial strategies. This role provides complex advice to the Premier, Ministers and senior executives of the Premier’s Department along with analysis and negotiation on a broad range of industrial matters and disputes. You will have the opportunity to represent the department in a variety of forums, including tribunals to provide advice on dispute resolution and advocacy.

You will join our People and Workforce branch in the Industrial Relations group. Further details on our team please visit our website. 

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

We're Looking For

• Industrial Relations Expertise: Deep knowledge of employment legislation, awards, and public sector framework and experience managing complex industrial relations matters.
• Strategic Advisory Skills: Ability to provide timely, high-level advice on complex employee relations issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong negotiation, collaboration, and relationship-building across government and industry.
• Leadership & People Management: Proven capability to lead teams, drive performance, and foster professional growth.
• Project Management: Skilled in planning, delivering, and evaluating projects within budget and deadlines.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to prepare complex briefs and submissions for Government and represent the Secretary of Premier’s Department as the employer in a variety of forums.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked based on a 35-hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Closing date:  Wednesday, 4 February 2026 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,174) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Anna Kulesz, Director Public Sector Industrial Relations, [email protected]

About the Premier's Department

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [email protected], or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.