Senior Advisor Human Resources

CGR Services; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Professional development

Wellbeing focus

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Education Review Office (ERO) invites applications for a Senior Human Resources Advisor to join our HR team. You will partner with leaders across ERO, offering strategic and operational HR advice and guiding employment relations, workforce planning, recruitment, policy development and organisational change.

You will contribute to critical people projects, foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture, and support wellbeing and capability initiatives in a growing agency committed to Te

Qualifications

• Senior HR advisory experience.
• Strong employment relations knowledge.
• Experience supporting organisational change and workforce planning.
• Sound understanding of NZ employment legislation and public sector practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic and solution-focused HR advice to managers and leaders.
• Lead and support employment relations matters, including performance management, investigations, disciplinary processes, restructures and change proposals.
• Partner with leaders on workforce planning, recruitment and talent management activities.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures and people initiatives aligned with objectives.
• Support organisational change, culture and engagement programmes.

Skills

HR advisory

Employment relations

Workforce planning

Policy development

Data analytics

Communication skills

Change management

Education

Tertiary qualification in HR

Job description

Ko mātou | About Us

Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga | Education Review Office (ERO) is the New Zealand Government's external evaluation agency. Our role is to review and report on the quality of education and care in schools, kura, kōhanga reo, early childhood services and other education providers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Our purpose is to improve learning outcomes and promote success for all learners. We are committed to strengthening educational achievement and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our work.

Te tūnga | About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Human Resources Advisor to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Manager Human Resources, you will be a trusted business partner to leaders across ERO, providing high-quality strategic and operational HR advice. You will work across a diverse portfolio that includes employment relations, workforce planning, recruitment, organisational change, policy development, performance and development, remuneration, wellbeing, and organisational capability initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity that has arisen to support significant organisational growth. The role will contribute to critical people projects, and help create an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture in an organisation with an expanded remit.

Ngā kawenga | Key Responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic and solution-focused HR advice to managers and leaders.
• Lead and support employment relations matters, including performance management, investigations, disciplinary processes, restructures and change proposals.
• Partner with leaders on workforce planning, recruitment and talent management activities.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures and people initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.
• Support organisational change, culture and engagement programmes.
• Analyse workforce data and provide insights to support evidence-based decision making.
• Coach and build the capability of managers in people leadership practices.
• Contribute to key HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

He kōrero mōu | About You

You will be a capable HR generalist with strong relationship management skills and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive people matters with confidence and professionalism. You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior HR advisory role.
• Strong employment relations knowledge and experience managing complex cases.
• Experience supporting organisational change and workforce planning initiatives.
• Sound understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and public sector employment practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at all levels of an organisation.
• A collaborative and customer-focused approach.

Qualifications and Experience

Tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Employment Relations, Business, Psychology or a related discipline. Membership of HRNZ or a commitment to obtaining membership would be advantageous. Experience working within the public sector would be highly regarded.

What We Offer

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to significant organisational initiatives.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• An organisation committed to wellbeing, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Applications

Applications close on Sunday 20 September 2026. We will be screening applications as they are received and may commence interviews before the closing date. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and pre-employment checks will form part of our recruitment process