Digital HR Operations (HR Administrator)

New Zealand Government; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 73,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato invites applications for an HR Administrator (Digital HR Operations). This full-time role (37.5 hours per week) focuses on modernising HR processes, enabling self-service, and reducing manual work through technology and Oracle Cloud HCM.

You will support managers and staff to navigate digital people systems, assist testing and adoption of system enhancements, and develop user guides and process documentation while using data to identify improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• supporting managers and staff to effectively use HR self-service tools
• assisting with testing, implementation, and adoption of system enhancements
• developing user guides, process documentation, and practical resources
• using data, reporting, and process insights to identify opportunities for improvement
• contributing to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

Job description

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

This is not a traditional HR administration role. We're looking for a digitally savvy problem-solver who is passionate about improving processes, enabling self-service, and finding better ways of working through technology. As our HR Administrator (Digital HR Operations), you'll play an important role in helping modernise and streamline people processes across the University. Working within our People and Capability team, you'll support the effective use of Oracle Cloud HCM, identify opportunities to automate and simplify HR processes, and help managers and staff confidently navigate our digital people systems. While you will undertake some HR administration activities, the focus of the role is on reducing manual effort, improving user experience, increasing self-service adoption, and embedding efficient, system-led ways of working. You'll work closely with HR colleagues, payroll, talent acquisition, and our HR Systems Administrator to support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our HR technology and services.

Key responsibilities include:

• supporting managers and staff to effectively use HR self-service tools
• assisting with testing, implementation, and adoption of system enhancements
• developing user guides, process documentation, and practical resources
• using data, reporting, and process insights to identify opportunities for improvement
• contributing to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week, based at our Hamilton campus. Salary will be in the range of $73,235 to $87,024 per year, depending on skills, knowledge, and experience.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You're someone who enjoys understanding how things work and finding ways to make them work better. You have a natural curiosity about systems, processes, and technology, and you get satisfaction from solving problems and making work easier. You may have built your experience in HR administration or systems, payroll, business operations, customer service, or another support-focused environment. Whatever your background, you're confident using technology, comfortable learning new systems, and enjoy identifying opportunities to improve the way things are done. You'll be a strong communicator who can build positive working relationships across a range of people, ask thoughtful questions, and balance attention to detail with a practical, solutions-focused approach. You're organised, adaptable, and take ownership of seeing things through from idea to implementation.

To be successful in this role you will also have:

• strong digital literacy and confidence using enterprise software and business systems
• the ability to identify issues, recommend improvements, and follow through on solutions
• confidence working with data, reports, and information systems
• a collaborative and adaptable approach to working with others
• a learning mindset and enthusiasm for new technologies, including AI-enabled tools

Experience using Oracle Cloud HCM or another HRIS would be highly advantageous, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong systems capability and an aptitude for learning.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The People and Capability division delivers high quality, responsive, and professional people services across the University. This includes human resource operations, talent acquisition, organisational development, and health, safety and wellbeing. Our team works proactively with managers and staff to support the full employee lifecycle and ensure people practices align with University strategy, policy, and values.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Requisition number: 1003830