Executive Manager (AO8) Employee Relations

The Employee Relations Unit provides advice, representation and advocacy on behalf of QFD and performs traditional industrial relations functions such as engagement and consultation with unions and advocacy before industrial tribunals. The team also supports management and employees to enable resolution of matters at the workplace level without the parties having to resort to formal proceedings or litigation and provides advice to managers and employees regarding their respective entitlements, rights and obligations in the context of public sector employment.

Reporting to the Director, Industrial and Employee Relations you will be responsible for leading and managing a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement workplace relations strategies and project outcomes, including advocacy and representation in high complex matters in external bodies and forums. You will be required to provide expert advice on complex employee relations cases, and lead and manage the interpretation of relevant legislation and industrial instruments, including representing QFD and liaison on individual employee matters such as grievances, performance management and discipline issues, working closely with other units and regional offices to facilitate appropriate outcomes.

About Us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and response services to fire in the built and landscape environments, as well as scientific and specialist capabilities to Queensland communities. The QFD provides a multi-hazard emergency response, including road crash rescue, bushfire, hazardous material, technical and vertical rescue, severe weather incidents, remote and swiftwater rescue, and provides a number of functions supporting community safety outcomes.

The department encompasses Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), as well as the broader department which work together to pre-empt, prevent, mitigate and manage the consequences of fires and other emergencies on Queensland communities and support our large volunteer membership across the state.

The QFD is an organisation that is committed to reframing the department's relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations through activities identified in the QFD Reframing the Relationship Plan, contributing to Closing the Gap outcomes and building our cultural capability.

Purpose of the role

The Employee Relations Unit provides advice, representation and advocacy on behalf of QFD and performs traditional industrial relations functions such as engagement and consultation with unions and advocacy before industrial tribunals. The team also supports management and employees to enable resolution of matters at the workplace level without the parties having to resort to formal proceedings or litigation and provides advice to managers and employees regarding their respective entitlements, rights and obligations in the context of public sector employment.

Reporting to the Director, Industrial and Employee Relations you will be responsible for leading and managing a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement workplace relations strategies and project outcomes, including advocacy and representation in high complex matters in external bodies and forums. You will be required to provide expert advice on complex employee relations cases, and lead and manage the interpretation of relevant legislation and industrial instruments, including representing QFD and liaison on individual employee matters such as grievances, performance management and discipline issues, working closely with other units and regional offices to facilitate appropriate outcomes.

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

• Knowledge and/or experience in interpreting relevant legislation and industrial instruments, engagement with employee representative bodies and/or managing grievances and disputes.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in industrial relations, law, human resources or a related field will be highly regarded.
  
  
  

Your key accountabilities

Responsibilities

Your part in the ongoing success of our department, in supporting key frontline services will see you responsible for a variety of work, including, but not limited to:

• Provide expert advice to senior executives on all matters relating to employee relations, industrial relations, public sector policy, dispute resolution, strategic employment frameworks and management of enterprise agreements to achieve business objectives.
• Represent the department and appear as an industrial advocate in Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, other tribunals to support resolution of issues.
• Lead and manage case management of employee matters where required, to resolve grievances and disputes through the provision of advice to management at the workplace level or by independent review and reporting.
• Lead and manage the interpretation, development and implementation of industrial strategy, variations to industrial instruments, awards and enterprise agreements and guidance materials to ensure QFD meets compliance obligations regarding industrial relations legislation.
• Prepare and review complex briefing material, cabinet submissions and correspondence in relation to industrial relations issues, employment and policy frameworks and best practice.
• Undertake management activities including operational and strategic planning, workflow and quality management, utilising human, financial, including budget management and other resources.
• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, fostering teamwork and managing human resource activities including developing of staff through performance, planning and review.
  
  
  

Capabilities

Role

To determine your suitability for the role, you will be assessed on the following Leadership Competencies for Queensland behavioural profiles that link to the "key accountabilities" for this role:

Leadership Competency Stream - Program Leader (Leads teams and/or projects)

Vision

• Leads strategically
• Leads change in complex environments
  
  
  

Results

• Builds enduring relationships
• Drives accountability and outcomes
  
  
  

Accountability

• Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• Demonstrates sound governance
  
  
  

Once you join us we will want you to exemplify the QFD shared values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Courage
• Loyalty
  
  
  

Occupational group HR & Industrial Relations