Lead Workplace Relations. Support Operational Excellence.

Swan Transit is seeking an experienced and influential leader to join our senior management team as Area Manager – Industrial Relations & Operations.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this unique leadership role combines operational oversight of metropolitan bus depots with responsibility for industrial relations strategy, enterprise bargaining, employee relations and workplace compliance.

This is a pivotal position that will help shape Swan Transit’s future workforce strategy while supporting the safe, productive and reliable delivery of public transport services across Western Australia.

About the Role
The successful candidate will provide leadership across both operational and workplace relations functions, supporting depot management teams while ensuring the organisation remains compliant, productive and positioned for future growth.

- Play a key role in upcoming Enterprise Agreement negotiations.
- Influence workplace relations strategy across a large and diverse workforce.
- Work directly with the Executive Leadership Team.
- Lead meaningful organisational and operational initiatives
- Attractive remuneration package including vehicle and other benefits.

The role will have responsibility for:

Industrial Relations & Enterprise Bargaining

- Leading Enterprise Agreement bargaining and negotiation activities.
- Developing industrial relations strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Providing expert advice on Enterprise Agreements, Awards, employment legislation and workplace policies.
- Maintaining constructive relationships with unions, employee representatives and key stakeholders.
- Managing industrial disputes, conciliations and Fair Work Commission matters.
- Supporting leaders in performance management, disciplinary processes and employee relations matters.
- Conducting and overseeing workplace investigations.

Employee Relations & Organisational Support

- Building leadership capability across the business in employee relations and people management.
- Supporting organisational change,



workforce transitions and restructuring activities.
- Providing practical advice and guidance on complex employment matters.
- Partnering with operational leaders to achieve positive workplace outcomes.

Depot Operations & Leadership

- Providing operational oversight of assigned depot operations.
- Leading and developing depot management teams.
- Ensuring safe, efficient and compliant delivery of public transport services.
- Monitoring operational performance and implementing improvement initiatives.
- Supporting responses to significant operational incidents and investigations.
- Driving service reliability, workforce performance and customer outcomes.

Governance, Risk & Continuous Improvement

- Identifying and mitigating industrial, operational and compliance risks.
- Leading operational and workforce improvement initiatives.
- Supporting strategic business projects and organisational development activities.
- Ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory and organisational requirements.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality

- Promoting a positive safety culture across all areas of responsibility.
- Supporting injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes.
- Ensuring HSEQ obligations are understood, implemented and maintained.

These responsibilities are aligned with the key accountabilities developed for the role and include industrial relations leadership, employee relations support, depot oversight, governance and HSEQ responsibilities.

About You
To succeed in this role, you will be a commercially minded leader with extensive industrial relations experience and a proven ability to influence positive workplace outcomes.

You will bring:





- Significant experience in industrial and employee relations.
- Demonstrated Enterprise Agreement negotiation experience.
- Experience managing Fair Work Commission matters and industrial disputes.
- Strong knowledge of Australian employment legislation and industrial instruments.
- Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations matters.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Leadership experience within a large operational or service delivery environment.
- The ability to balance operational outcomes, workforce needs and business objectives.

Desirable

- Transport, logistics, infrastructure, mining or other unionised industry experience.
- Tertiary qualifications in Employment Relations, Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
- Experience managing multiple operational sites or teams.

Why Swan Transit?

Swan Transit, as part of the Kelsian Group Limited, is a leading public transport provider in Australia, London, and Singapore. With over 9,000 employees, we proudly deliver integrated, sustainable, and reliable transport services to over 207 million customers annually.
We foster an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic workplace where diversity is celebrated, and every team member can thrive.

We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members, improve awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and enable our leaders to champion diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply Now.

Please note: Due to a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

**We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies.**

📌 Area Manager - Industrial Relations & Operations (Perth)
🏢 Transit Systems
📍 Perth