Principal Adviser - People Services

JobSpace; Wellington; On-site; NZD 125,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections is seeking a senior HR leader to shape the future of People Services, driving system-wide improvements and influencing senior leaders. You will partner with a broad range of stakeholders to align priorities, navigate complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Based in Wellington or Christchurch, you will use data and insights to inform decisions, manage competing priorities, and translate complex issues into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level HR advisory experience in complex organisational environments.
• Strong written communication, with ability to translate complex information into clear briefs and papers.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management across all organisation levels.
• Sound analytical and decision-making capability using data and insights.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of People Services by driving system-wide improvements.
• Provide expert HR advice and lead strategic initiatives with senior leaders.
• Partner with People & Capability leaders, operational leaders, governance groups and external agencies.
• Use data and insights to improve how the organisation works and delivers outcomes.

Skills

Strategic HR advisory

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Governance experience

Written communication

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.

Work on the system, not in the system. Influence senior leaders and shape future ways of working. Wellington or Christchurch based.

Mō te tūnga | About the role:

In this strategic role, you will help shape the future of People Services by driving system-wide improvements, influencing change, and ensuring our people practices support organizational priorities and long-term success. Working closely with the Director People Services and senior leaders, you will provide expert HR support, lead strategic initiatives, while using data and insights to improve how we work. You will partner with a wide range of stakeholders, including People & Capability leaders, operational leaders, Ministerial Services, Union partners, governance groups, and external agencies, to align priorities, navigate complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes. This is a role where you will be working on the system not in the system. For someone motivated by impact, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at a system level on some of the organization's most complex people and business challenges. You will have the autonomy to shape solutions, influence senior leaders, and drive improvements that increase organizational effectiveness. This is a role where your ideas can translate into meaningful change, and where you can clearly see the outcomes and value of your contribution.

You thrive on solving complex challenges and are energized by opportunities to create meaningful change. Comfortable working with ambiguity, you use sound judgment, curiosity, and initiative to navigate issues and identify opportunities for improvement. You are not afraid to challenge existing approaches when a better outcome is possible, and you bring others with you through strong relationships and credible influence. You enjoy a fast-paced environment, maintain a positive outlook and sense of humor, and remain focused on delivering results. Most importantly, you are motivated by impact and take pride in seeing your work translate into real and lasting organizational improvement.

To be successful in this role you will bring: Significant senior-level HR advisory experience, providing strategic and pragmatic people advice in complex organizational environments. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise briefings, papers, and recommendations for decision-makers. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced and complex organizational environment. Exceptional influencing and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively across all levels of an organization. Sound analytical and decision-making capability, using data, insights, and judgment to identify solutions and drive organizational improvement. Confidence operating in governance and leadership settings, presenting advice, navigating complexity, and contributing to strategic outcomes.

The midpoint of the salary range is $146,562 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $124,578 - $175,875 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organization, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy. We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organization we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.