About the Opportunity
This is a meaty, high-impact opportunity for an Employment Relations (ER) expert to join a large, complex organisation and help lift capability across the business.
You’ll be the technical authority on ER, providing clear advice, insights, and risk-based recommendations that balance compliance, pragmatism, and commercial outcomes. You’ll lead a team and guide senior leaders through a wide range of ER matters (rather than doing every piece yourself), bringing strong judgement, proven strategy, and an ability to move things forward with urgency — because in ER, the devil really is in the detail.
This role blends strategic horsepower with strong operational delivery. It’s busy, varied, and will suit someone who enjoys working at pace with senior stakeholders.
- Lead a team of Principal ER Advisors and a Senior Legal Counsel.
- Support the organisation through complex ER matters, including areas such as OIA-related ER issues.
- Develop a suitable ER/IR strategy and be the escalation point for complex ER cases.
What You’ll Bring
You’re a commercially savvy, strategic ER professional who can operate confidently in complexity. You bring credibility, empathy, and the ability to lead through influence.
Your background will include:
- Extensive ER experience in New Zealand, with deep knowledge of NZ employment law and best practice (a law degree is a strong preference).
- Private sector experience and a strong commercial lens, with some knowledge of the machinery of government.
- Proven capability across industrial relations matters such as collective bargaining, union relationships, OIAs, protective disclosures, etc.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence leaders through challenging situations.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and confidence operating with ambiguity
- Solid knowledge of performance management principles and methodologies.
What’s on Offer
This is truly an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to apply their skill set across an enterprise sized organisation.
- Highly autonomous role with a great blend of strategy and hands-on, complex case management.
- Attractive remuneration package
- 2 days WFH flexibility
Next Steps?
To keep things simple, we ask that all applications are submitted through this advert. We’ll review applications as they come in and be in touch.
For any questions give Michaela Brchlova a call on +64 27 305 9031 and quote Job ID: 18230 for a confidential chat.
To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.
At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.
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