Senior Advisor, Industrial and Employment Relations

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington is seeking a Senior Advisor, Industrial and Employment Relations to provide expert employee relations advice across complex matters. You will work with the Manager and Leads to deliver high-quality guidance, analyze trends, support policy development, and contribute to collective bargaining activities.

You will monitor legislation, interpret data, develop practical recommendations, and help build capability across People, Culture and Capability teams while

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience delivering employment relations outcomes in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience partnering across HR functions and building stakeholder relationships.
• Strong advisory background in employment relations, including governance and policy.
• Ability to interpret data and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert employment relations advice on complex employee matters.
• Monitor legislative and policy changes and advise on implications.
• Analyse data to identify themes and improve practices and guidance.
• Develop and implement HR and employment relations policies and initiatives.
• Support collective bargaining activities and prepare negotiation materials.
• Build capability within People, Culture and Capability teams.

Skills

Employment relations expertise

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Public sector experience

Education

Relevant qualification in Employment Relations

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandPermanent, full-time hours, Wellington basedHelp shape a positive and high-performing workplaceHelp 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 the Senior Advisor, Industrial and Employment Relations, you will provide expert employee relations advice and support across a range of complex and sensitive matters.Working closely with the Manager, Industrial and Employment Relations and Employment Relations Leads, you will play a key role in providing high-quality advice, analysing trends and risks, supporting policy development, and contributing to collective bargaining activities.You will contribute to the development of employment relations frameworks, identify emerging issues through reporting and analysis, and support capability building across People, Culture and Capability teams.The key deliverables will be to:Provide high-quality employment relations advice and support on complex employee mattersMonitor and assess upcoming legislative and government policy changes, identifying implications for the organisation and contributing to appropriate responsesAnalyse and interpret employment relations data, identify key themes and trends, and develop recommendations to improve practices, resources, guidance, and manager capabilityContribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR and employment relations policies, projects, and initiativesSupport the coordination and administration of collective bargaining activitiesBuild capability across People, Culture and Capability teams through coaching, knowledge sharing, and quality assuranceLead or contribute to innovative solutions that address current and future employment relations challengesIdentify risks and develop practical solutions that protect and enhance organisational integrity and reputationSalary range: $101,296 - $122,490 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 akeThis is an exciting opportunity to provide specialist employment relations expertise, influence people practices across the organisation, and support the delivery of strategic workforce outcomes.You will use your employment relations expertise, analytical skills, and sound judgement to help managers and leaders achieve positive outcomes while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.To be successful in this role, you'll have:Demonstrated experience delivering employment relations outcomes within a large and complex organisationExperience partnering across HR functions and building strong stakeholder relationships to achieve shared outcomesSignificant HR advisory experience, including employment relations expertise at a senior advisor levelExperience providing professional advice on employment relations matters, including performance management, workplace issues, and change initiativesStrong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide evidence-based recommendationsExcellent communication, influencing, and relationship management skillsSound knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation, including the Employment Relations Act, Holidays Act, and associated legislationA relevant qualification in Employment Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or equivalent experienceAn understanding of government processes and the ability to operate effectively within a public sector and politically aware environmentThe ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.About our group and team | Matau ropu akeWe're a fun and busy team who contributes to meaningful work that supports our high-performing organisation and positive employee experiences. You'll work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment where your expertise will help shape employment relations practice and capability across the organisation.As a team we:Bring people together to achieve successful outcomesCoach and mentor others to build organisational capabilityNavigate ambiguity and manage complex employment relations issuesUse insight, judgement, and influence to support decision-makingDevelop practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that balance organisational needs with employee wellbeingAre 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 Thursday, 05 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.