Manager, Industrial and Employment Relations

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 166,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to head Industrial and Employment Relations within the Ministry of Education. The role leads collective bargaining, guides high-level employment matters, and shapes people policies to support organisational performance.

You will work with unions, iwi, and senior stakeholders to drive strategic outcomes, governance, and a positive workplace culture across a major public sector organisation.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in industrial relations, employment relations, employment law, or human resources.
• Extensive experience leading collective bargaining and union negotiations in large and complex organisations.
• Deep knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and its practical application.
• Experience managing high-risk employment relations matters and organisational risk.
• Proven people leadership experience, including developing and coaching teams to achieve excellent outcomes.
• Outstanding influencing, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategy, preparation, and delivery of collective bargaining negotiations.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with unions, sector stakeholders, and senior leaders.
• Provide expert advice on complex employment and industrial relations matters.
• Lead the resolution of significant employment disputes and high-risk workplace issues.
• Oversee remuneration and reward strategy and frameworks.
• Provide strategic leadership to your team and foster capability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Use insights and data to identify workforce risks and opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Contribute to strategic priorities through effective stakeholder engagement and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Influence

Data-driven decision making

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandPermanent, full-time hours, Wellington basedLead strategy. Shape workplace relations. Influence organisational outcomes.Help shape the future of EducationWe work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.About this role | Mo tenei turangaAs Manager, Industrial and Employment Relations, you will lead the development and delivery of the Ministry's industrial and employment relations strategy while ensuring a consistent, future-focused approach to workplace relations.This is a pivotal leadership role that sits at the heart of organisational performance, workforce sustainability, and change. You will lead complex negotiations, provide expert advice on high-risk employment matters, and build the trusted relationships needed to achieve positive outcomes across the Ministry.You will be responsible for:Leading end-to-end strategy, preparation, and delivery of collective bargaining negotiationsBuilding and maintaining constructive relationships with unions, sector stakeholders, and senior leadersProviding expert advice on complex employment and industrial relations mattersLeading the resolution of significant employment disputes and high-risk workplace issuesOverseeing the Ministry's remuneration and reward strategy and frameworksLeading integrity and code of conduct programmes across the organisationDriving the development, review, and implementation of people policiesProviding strategic leadership to your team, fostering capability, collaboration, and high performanceUsing insights and data to identify workforce risks and opportunities and inform organisational decision-makingContributing to the Ministry's strategic priorities through strong stakeholder engagement and effective leadership.Salary range: $165,601 - $248,251 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.About you | Mohou akeYou are a respected employment and industrial relations leader with a track record of delivering results in complex, unionised environments. You bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and exceptional relationship management skills.To be successful in this role you will ideally have:Significant senior-level experience in industrial relations, employment relations, employment law, or human resourcesExtensive experience leading collective bargaining and union negotiations in large and complex organisationsDeep knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and its practical applicationExperience managing high-risk employment relations matters and organisational riskProven people leadership experience, including developing and coaching teams to achieve excellent outcomesOutstanding influencing, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skillsStrong organisational and political awareness, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environmentsExceptional written and verbal communication skills and confidence operating at executive levelExperience leading organisational change and delivering strategic and operational plansA commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating a positive workplace cultureYou'll have the ability to:Build trusted and enduring relationships with unions, executives, stakeholders, Maori and iwi, and wider partnersInfluence decision-making at the highest levels of the organisationBalance risk management with practical and people-centred solutionsLead through complexity while maintaining focus on outcomesUse evidence, data, and insights to inform decision-making and strategic directionAdhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.If you're a senior employment and industrial relations leader ready to make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you!About our group and team | Matau ropu akeWe are a high-performing team responsible for industrial and employment relations, remuneration and reward, integrity, and people policy.We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, people feel supported to thrive, and everyone can bring their whole selves to work.Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter by using the `Apply Now' button. In your Cover Letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.For further information, please contact Bronwyn Kingdom, Acting Chief People Officer, at: [e-mail] close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.