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. 

Applying is easy! 

Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate. 
 
If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the Position Description 
 
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ange Royal on 0400 331 957 or via ange.royal@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: Thursday 22nd October 2026 at 11:55pm AEST 

Recruitment Adjustments  

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 
 
 
What to expect next 

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages. 
 
The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next eighteen (18) months.  

About us – together, we are DPIRD 
 

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and 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, vegetation and 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, equitable and 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, religion and sexual orientation.   

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer 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.