Manager - Employee Relations
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time or Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 4
Remuneration: $153,559 - $182,954 Per Annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: Up to 38 (Minimum 0.6FTE-1.0FTE)
Location: Negotiable within the Hunter New England District
Requisition ID: REQ683563
Applications Close: Wednesday, 19th August 2026
Lead strategic employee relations, influence executive decision-making and provide expert legislative advice that shapes the future of our workforce.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we're committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities every day. With approximately 20,000 employees across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations, our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. We're seeking an experienced and influential workplace relations professional to join our People & Culture leadership team as Manager Employee Relations. This is an exciting opportunity to lead industrial and employee relations strategy across a large and diverse organisation while playing a key role in supporting organisational change, workforce reform and positive employee experiences.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced employee relations leader to provide strategic advice, build capability and support the effective management of complex industrial and workplace matters across HNELHD.
As the Manager, Employee Relations, you will:
- Lead the development and implementation of employee and industrial relations strategies aligned with organisational objectives and legislative obligations.
- Assists with representation in industrial commissions and tribunals.
- Provides employment law advice, develop local policies and ensures compliance with legislation, awards and NSW Health policies.
- Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with industrial partners, union representatives, government bodies and internal stakeholders.
- Drive proactive employee and industrial relations strategies that minimise industrial action, reduce escalation of complex workplace matters and ensure compliance with legislation, awards and NSW Health policy.
- Build workforce relations capability across the HR Business Partnering team through expert coaching, guidance and leadership in investigations, consultation, dispute resolution, grievance management and award interpretation.
- Provide timely support and advice to the HNELHD Executive and People & Culture teams on complex workplace matters and strategy.
- Act as the key liaison between HNELHD and the NSW Ministry of Health Workforce Relations team.
- Drive system-wide reform by developing and embedding best-practice change management, consultation and governance frameworks that strengthen decision-making and ensure cultural capability is integrated into organisational policy and practice.
This is a rewarding and dynamic role that offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the employee experience and contribute to the broader success of our health services across metro, regional, rural, and remote settings.
Where you'll be working
This position is primarily based in Waratah, Newcastle however for the right candidate, a location elsewhere within the district may be considered. As part of a district-wide leadership team, you will also be required to travel across the Local Health District to support staff and services on-site. Hunter New England Health provides an inclusive and flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.
About You
You are a strategic and solutions-focused leader who thrives in complex environments and is confident managing sensitive workplace matters.
You bring extensive experience across industrial and employee relations, with the ability to balance organisational objectives, legislative requirements and people-centred outcomes.
You will have:
- Demonstrated experience developing policy and standardised practices, as well as building the capability of others in these.
- Demonstrated experience in representing employers in industrial commissions and tribunals.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage a large and varied caseload of complex matters, and to provide accurate and strategic briefings, submissions, and advice within tight timeframes.
- Strong leadership and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent the organisation in high-level discussions and forums.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare submissions and brief senior leaders and legal counsel.
- Experience in coaching, mentoring and building capability across a HR team.
- Proven ability to foster collaborative relationships with unions, staff, leaders and external agencies.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources Management, Employee Relations, Law, Business or other relevant field and/or significant professional experience in employee relations management.
- A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel across HNELHD.
Why Join HNELHD?
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you’re challenged by interesting, meaningful work while surrounded by spectacular locations and a strong values-led culture.
We offer:
- Monthly Allocated Day Off (ADO) for full-time employees
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
- Opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams across clinical and non-clinical areas
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Jane Street on jane.street@health.nsw.gov.au
Additional Information:
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/H
This is a Category B position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category B positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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