Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations NZ to provide independent, authoritative guidance on complex industrial matters across the organisation. You will work closely with the Head of Industrial Relations and senior leaders to influence outcomes at the highest levels.

The role involves leading priority projects, offering strategic advice in sensitive and confidential environments, and partnering with unions and central agencies to achieve equitable

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Public sector experience and a tertiary qualification are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted, independent and authoritative advice on complex and high-risk industrial matters across the organisation.
• Advise and influence at the highest levels, including the Executive Leadership Team, Chief Executive, Board and the Minister when required.
• Lead priority projects, advice and interventions across the function.

Job description

Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations NZ

Permanent full time * Role can be based anywhere in New Zealand. Health 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.