Lead integrity and accountability in a role that shapes the future of workplace culture. As the Principal Employee and Industrial Relations Consultant with the Department for Child Protection in Adelaide, you will manage complex investigations into suspected misconduct, ensuring fair and transparent outcomes that uphold DCP’s values. Reporting to the Group Manager, Employee Relations and Investigations, you will lead specific industrial relations activities and projects while delivering an effective and responsive operational advisory and consultancy service to the department. Beyond investigations, you will guide senior leaders on disciplinary matters, represent the department in tribunals, and influence the policies that shape our workforce. This is your opportunity to lead with purpose, protect integrity, and create a respectful, safe environment for all.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and provide expert advice on disciplinary processes, grievances, and disputes.
• Represent DCP in tribunals and other forums on complex employee relations matters.
• Deliver expert advice and briefings to the DCP Chief Executive Officer and Executive, and other Government agencies on sensitive industrial relations issues that may impact organisational operations.
• Manage and deliver high-quality employee and industrial relations consultancy services, including complex industrial relations advice, negotiations, advocacy, and enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations and implementation.

To be successful:

You are an experienced leader who thrives on resolving complex and sensitive matters with fairness and authority. Your expertise spans industrial relations, employee relations, and government workforce policy, enabling you to guide senior leaders through high-stakes situations.

You bring proven experience in leading misconduct investigations, managing disputes, and representing organisations in industrial forums. With a strategic mindset, you influence workforce policies, build organisational capability, and drive positive change across large and diverse teams.

If you are ready to lead with integrity, accountability, and influence at a senior level, we encourage you to apply.

Essential: a tertiary qualification in Law, Industrial Relations, Human Resources or relevant equivalent experience.

To find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria and special conditions, please click on the attached role description.

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The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

There are many benefits to working with DCP, including:

• Leave loading and salary packaging opportunities.
• Paid parental and partner leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling for you and your family).
• Free annual flu vaccination for staff.
• Fitness Passport (a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to DCP staff and their families).