Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations

Marketplace; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations to provide trusted, independent advice on complex, high‑risk industrial matters across the organisation. The role reports to the Head of Industrial Relations and collaborates with senior leaders to shape system‑wide insights and risk management.

You will advise at the highest levels, influence with credibility in a politically sensitive environment, and drive priority projects aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Ability to advise senior leaders with sound judgement.
• Public sector experience and a demonstrated commitment to equitable outcomes (Māori health focus) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted, independent advice on complex and high‑risk industrial matters across Health NZ.
• Advise and influence at the highest levels, including executive leadership and the Board.
• Represent the Head of Industrial Relations as required and lead priority projects, interventions and advisory work.

Job description

# Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Permanent full time* Role can be based anywhere in New ZealandHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.**About the Role**As New Zealand's largest employer, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora operates across a large, diverse and roster-intensive workforce, making industrial relations a critical strategic priority. As Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations, you will provide trusted, independent and authoritative advice on complex and high-risk industrial matters across the organisation.Working closely with the Head of Industrial Relations and senior leaders, you will bring a system-wide perspective to industrial relations, providing insight, constructive challenge and early advice on emerging risks and opportunities. You will advise and influence at the highest levels, including the Executive Leadership Team, Chief Executive, Board and, where required, the Minister and central agencies. You will also represent the Head of Industrial Relations as required and lead priority projects, advice and interventions across the function.**About you**You bring extensive experience in a large, complex organisation. You have the credibility and confidence to advise and influence senior leaders, and are comfortable operating in politically sensitive and highly confidential environments where sound judgement and independent thinking are essential.You build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including unions and central agencies, and can influence through expertise and credibility rather than formal authority. You have experience leading high-stakes projects and providing strategic advice in complex and ambiguous situations. A relevant tertiary qualification and public sector experience are desirable, as is a demonstrated commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for Māori and putting Te Tiriti o Waitangi into action.**Working for Health New Zealand**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community**.** We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.**How to Apply**To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by **11:59PM Sunday 8th November 2026**.If you have any questions about the role, please contact Cherushka Pillay at [e-mail]## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Te Whatu Ora || Location: | All Locations || Position type: | Permanent Full time || Category: | Human resources, recruitment & training || Date listed: | 22-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 08-Nov-2026 || Reference: | HNZ/1950358 || Attachment: | HNZ-Position-Description Chief Advisor IR.pdf (PDF, 342KB)Job Description || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.