Corporate Roles

Director Industrial Relations

• Build and strengthen FRNSW’s industrial relations capability
• Public Sector Senior Executive (PSSE) Band 1, Total Remuneration Package: $209,803–$234,749
• Based in Greenacre | Hybrid work arrangements available

Lead Industrial Relations at Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) - an organisation with purpose, scale and impact.

Are you an accomplished industrial relations leader looking for a role where your work truly matters? Do you want to help shape the employment framework of an emergency service organisation that is prepared for anything – helping anyone, anywhere, anytime?

About the role

The Director Industrial Relations leads FRNSW’s strategic and operational IR agenda and is responsible for developing and delivering Industrial Relations strategy, advice and support across the organisation.

In this critical leadership role, you will:

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of FRNSW’s strategic industrial and employment frameworks as part of our corporate planning cycle.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of FRNSW’s Industrial Relations Branch, ensuring responsive and high-quality service delivery.
• Build strong, professional and constructive relationships with key unions and stakeholders.
• Identify emerging IR trends and risks and guide the organisation’s strategic response.
• Manage significant and complex industrial matters, providing authoritative advice across the organisation.
• Lead, mentor and develop a specialist team operating in a fast-paced and highly dynamic emergency services environment.

This role is based at FRNSW’s Head Office in Greenacre, with hybrid and flexible work arrangements.

About you

You are an experienced and credible industrial relations leader with the vision, resilience and judgement to operate confidently in a complex public sector environment.

You bring:

• Extensive experience implementing legislation, policy and industrial reform across a large or complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary industrial relations issues, challenges and trends relevant to public sector employment.
• A proven track record leading industrial strategy, including complex negotiations with unions and experience in the IRC or equivalent tribunals.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups while maintaining clear boundaries and advancing organisational priorities.
• A strategic mindset coupled with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging operational issues.
• A principled, solutions-focused approach that supports long-term organisational and workforce outcomes.

Essential requirement:

Tertiary qualifications and/or substantial relevant professional experience.

For further detail on the key responsibilities and capabilities, please refer to the Role Description

About us

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services and the busiest in Australia. Our purpose is to enhance community safety, quality of life and public confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergencies on the people, property, environment and economy of NSW.

We are a diverse organisation, united by our commitment to help anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Learn more about us on our Careers Page.

What we can offer

• Flexible working arrangements supporting work–life balance
• Modern facilities and activity-based working environments
• Free on-site gym and parking at Greenacre
• Access to Fitness Passport (over 390 gyms and pools across NSW)
• Study assistance for approved courses
• Leadership development programs
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

 Our commitment to diversity

FRNSW is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTIQ, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@fire.nsw.gov.au 

How to apply
Please submit:

1. A resume (maximum 5 pages)
2. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your value proposition and suitability for the role.

Your resume and cover letter will be used as the initial assessment to determine your comparative suitability. Applications that do not include both documents cannot progress.

For further information, please contact Michael Baldi, Executive Director People and Culture, on 0477 728 067.

Applications close: 11:55pm, 18th December 2025

A talent pool may be created for ongoing or temporary roles of the same type for up to 18 months.