Strategic Leader, Industrial & 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

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.