Employee Relations Service Manager

• Join a high-performing, dedicated team in a supportive, collaborative culture.

• Lead sector advocacy consultation and education about industrial matters impacting employment in Local Government.

• Sector leading 6 weeks’ annual leave (30 days)

Employee Relations Service Manager

Full-time

$180,648.00 per annum inclusive of the superannuation guarantee

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is currently on the lookout for an engaging and positive Employee Relations Service Manager to lead a team of highly skilled professionals to provide expert guidance in human resources and industrial relations advisory, consultancy and advocacy services to Local Government clients.

This is a unique opportunity to work across both the State and Federal industrial relations systems with Local Government clients located across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

About the role

You will lead and guide the team to deliver sector advocacy, consultation and education about industrial matters impacting employment in Local Government. Sector advocacy in the team is currently focused on award variation applications, and you will have the opportunity to shape and influence strategy in this area.

This is interesting, meaningful work, with a focus on value add activities for our subscribing Local Government clients. At times the work is complex and challenging, it is both operational and strategic and we are looking for someone who can lead by example with a true passion for providing an exceptional level of customer service.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of achievement working within the State and/or Federal industrial relations systems, including experience in the representation of client matters in industrial jurisdictions.

To be successful in this role you will also have a reputation as a resilient team player and have depth in leading through change and developing service improvement initiatives, coupled with the ability to communicate at an exceptional level with senior management, unions, all levels of Government and our member clients.

Key responsibilities

• Demonstrates a consistent and visible commitment to WALGA’s values and lead the team by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, continuous improvement and agility.

• Provide advice to Councils regarding CEO employment, manage sensitive enquiries regarding senior Local Government employees, act as the point of escalation for challenging enquiries and lead the team approach to advise on emerging legislative issues.

• Oversee the provision of verbal and / or written advice in response to member enquiries about human resource and or industrial matters that are within the Employee Relations (ER) service summary.

• Respond to clients’ consultancy service needs, prepare or review cost estimates and respond to RFQ documents that fall within the scope of the ER service.

• Lead and oversee the management of sector ER advocacy projects.

• Provide feedback on and advocate to Government departments and Ministers on draft legislation and IR policy.

• Oversee the ER team in developing and delivering a suite of high quality and relevant training courses and deliver training courses to members as required.

• Manage all aspects of service provision for Northern Territory clients and liaise with other Local Government Associations on Employee Relations matters.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience leading a team of HR/IR professionals delivering advice and support within an organisation or in a service delivery capacity.

• Demonstrated experience working within the State and Federal industrial relations systems, including experience in the representation of client matters in industrial jurisdictions.

• Demonstrated exposure working with third parties, including unions, law firms and service providers, and the ability to develop and maintain professional and influential relationships.

• Advanced knowledge and sound understanding of industrial instruments and how they operate, and experience negotiating enterprise/industrial agreements.

• Sound understanding of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA), anti-discrimination legislation and other employment legislation.

• Demonstrated understanding and application of contemporary Human Resource Management practices.

• Willingness to travel to visit regional members and attend or present at relevant interstate meetings and conferences.

• Tertiary qualifications in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Law or a related field is essential.

• Knowledge of Local Government (desirable but not essential).

*The WALGA Employee Relations Service is not a legal service and does not provide legal advice. WALGA is a registered industrial agent under the Industrial Relations Act 1997 (WA).

About WALGA

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is an independent, member-based, not for profit organisation representing and supporting the WA Local Government sector. Our membership includes all 139 Local Governments in the State.

WALGA uses its influence, support, and expertise to deliver better outcomes for WA Local Governments and their communities. We do this through effective advocacy to all levels of Government on behalf of our members, and by the provision of expert advice, services, and support to Local Governments. WALGA’s vision is for agile and inclusive Local Governments enhancing community wellbeing and enabling economic prosperity.

At WALGA we offer fantastic conditions and a positive working environment, including a sector leading 6 weeks’ (30 days) annual leave, flexible working arrangement options, a centralised office within easy reach of public transport and parking, access to our THRIVE@WALGA wellbeing program, an active social club, and a commitment to employee development.

For further information visit www.walga.asn.au

To Apply

To view the position description and see how to apply please head to our website www.walga.asn.au/careers or apply directly though Seek.

We ask that you please submit a cover letter along with your resume, detailing your experience in relation to the requirements of the role.

We embrace diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

For further details on the role please email *******@walga.asn.au

This role is being sourced directly by WALGA. We respectfully request no agencies approach.

All applications must be received by 12.00pm, Thursday, 7 March 2024

We may commence interviews upon receipt and reserve the right to close the position early.