Employment Relations Consultant

Auckland Council; Waiheke; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Council is looking for an Employment Relations Consultant to join our team in Auckland. This permanent or 12-month fixed-term role provides expert advice and hands-on support to people leaders and employees on a wide range of employment relations matters.

You'll contribute to fair processes, lead investigations, manage complex cases, and build capability across the organisation while working in a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• a relevant tertiary qualification (ideally in Law, Human Resources, Employment Relations, or a related discipline)
• solid experience in employment relations roles within a complex environment, managing competing priorities and sensitive employment matters
• demonstrated experience supporting and leading formal employment matters, including investigations, disciplinary processes, and complex case management

Responsibilities

• provide expert advice and support to people leaders and employees on a broad range of employment-related issues
• inform stakeholders of all solution options and associated risks
• coordinate with stakeholders to gather information and evidence for cases
• actively managing open cases to timely resolution and maintain accurate case records
• coach and develop people leaders' capability and knowledge of ER processes

Skills

Employment relations

Investigations

Disciplinary processes

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Legal or HR qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

• Enhance Auckland Council's Employment Relations processes
• Join a supportive and collaborative team

Join Auckland Council as anEmployment Relations Consultant in a permanent or 12-month fixed term role, and play a pivotal role in shaping the employment landscape within our organisation.

You’ll provide expert advice and support to people leaders and employees, ensuring fair and consistent handling of employment relations cases.

This role offers a unique blend of strategic influence and hands‑on involvement, making it an exciting and rewarding career move.

You could expect to work on:

• providing clear and pragmatic expert advice on a broad range of employment-related issues, including disciplinary action, conflict management, investigations, poor performance management, and restructures
• ensuring people leaders and relevant stakeholders are informed of all solution options and associated risks
• coordinating with stakeholders to gather necessary information and evidence for employment relations cases
• actively managing open cases to timely resolution and maintaining accurate case records
• coaching and developing people leaders' capability and knowledge of ER processes

You’ll join a collaborative team environment where your advice and experience will make a genuine difference.

You’re an experienced employment relations professional with a strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation, case law, and contemporary ER practice. You bring sound judgement, a pragmatic approach, and the confidence to provide trusted advice in complex and sensitive situations.

Your strong interpersonal skills, situational awareness, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities enable you to build credibility and provide influential support to people leaders and key stakeholders.

You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing competing priorities with resilience, adaptability, and a solutions‑focused mindset. We will value your desire to work collaboratively, to nurture strong relationships, and to contribute positively as part of a team.

We will be looking for the following specific qualifications and experience:

• a relevant tertiary qualification (ideally in Law, Human Resources, Employment Relations, or a related discipline)
• solid experience in employment relations roles within a complex environment, managing competing priorities and sensitive employment matters
• demonstrated experience supporting and leading formal employment matters, including investigations, disciplinary processes, and complex case management

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.8 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well‑being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE

Me Tono Ināianei!:
Applications close: Sunday, 13 September 2026

Find a copy of the position description HERE

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

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