Senior HR Advisor

Christchurch City Council; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior HR Advisor for a 12-month fixed-term role. The candidate will provide guidance on employee relations, enhance workplace culture, and support leadership in managing HR challenges. Ideal candidates must have strong HR skills and experience handling employee relations. The role offers competitive pay and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Access to training programmes

Flexible working arrangements

Collaboration opportunities

Various staff benefits

Qualifications

• Well-honed generalist HR skills at a senior level.
• Experience within a large organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes.
• Coach leaders to manage people effectively.
• Drive change management initiatives.
• Conduct training sessions on HR topics.

Skills

Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices

Managing employee relations cases

Interpersonal and communication skills

Handling sensitive information with discretion

Proactive problem-solving

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior HR Advisor for up to a 12 month period to join our People & Capability team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional to make a significant impact within a local government setting.

As the local government authority for Canterbury, the Christchurch City Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our vibrant community. We deliver a wide array of essential services that cater to the diverse needs of our residents. From ensuring clean and reliable water supply and efficient transport systems, to providing top-notch recreation and sports facilities, we strive to create a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive environment for everyone in Christchurch.

About the role

As a Senior HR Advisor, you will provide trusted guidance to leaders and employees across the organisation on a broad range of people-related matters. You\'ll take ownership of employee relations cases, support leaders through challenging situations, and contribute to initiatives that enhance our workplace culture and people practices.

• Lead and resolve employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes, grievances, and performance management, ensuring outcomes are legally sound and aligned with organisational values.
• Coach and influence leaders to build capability in managing people effectively, fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Drive change management initiatives, supporting restructures, transitions, and organisational development projects.
• Conduct training sessions on various people related topics to educate and support managers and employees.

Working as a key member of the People & Capability Team to implement HR Strategies that support the organisations goals.

About you

Skills

This role will suit those with well-honed generalist HR skills and experience at a senior level within a large organisation. Ideally you will also possess:

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in managing employee relations cases.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach to HR challenges.

If you are a dedicated and experienced HR professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role in local government, we would love to hear from you.

What\'s in it for you?

What\'s in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?

Want To Be Involved In Shaping Your City? Here At The Council We Know Our Strength Comes From Our People, Working Together As One Team To Create Results. When You Join Us, You\'re Getting Involved First Hand, And Contributing To Crafting The Christchurch Community. You Will Also Benefit From

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements - WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave.
• Collaboration - exposure to wider areas of the organisation
• Benefits - a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts.

If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, you think you have what it takes and want to get involved in shaping our City then please apply today.

Additional Information

• Hours of work - This is a Fixed term, Full-time posiiton for up to 12 months to cover parental leave. Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Location - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street
• Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $96,465 to 107,183 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing Date - Thursday 9 October 2025

At the Christchurch City Council, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you\'re excited about this role but your past experience doesn\'t align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us at [e-mail]

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.