Employment Relations Specialist

About the role

This senior specialist position sits within a busy employment relations function and involves guiding people leaders and employees through complex workplace matters with sound judgement, professionalism and empathy. The work is varied and high-impact, covering situations where fairness, legal exposure, business needs and people outcomes must all be balanced carefully.

In this role, you may move across investigations, disciplinary and performance matters, personal grievances, mediation, union discussions, organisational change and ongoing improvements to employment relations practices. You will work in a large, operationally complex environment where every day can bring a different challenge.

You will collaborate closely with People Advisory, People Partners, Legal, unions, and both operational and corporate leaders. The position suits someone who remains steady under pressure, can navigate ambiguity, and enjoys shaping practical outcomes in sensitive situations.

Key responsibilities

The role includes leading and supporting employment relations matters from start to finish, giving clear and practical guidance, and helping leaders handle difficult people issues well. You will also contribute to investigations, represent the organisation in mediation when needed, and build trusted working relationships across the business.

Alongside casework, you will coach leaders, support good decision-making, and look for opportunities to strengthen tools, processes and outcomes across the ER space.

What you will bring

The ideal candidate may come from employment relations, HR advisory, legal or employment advisory, workplace relations, union or advocacy work, investigations, or another people-centred role involving sensitive and high-risk matters. What matters most is the quality of your judgement, your ability to work through uncertainty, and your confidence in advising and influencing at a senior level.

You will need to be comfortable handling complex matters, testing your thinking with others, and working collaboratively to find fair and workable solutions.

Skills and experience

You should bring experience across employment, HR, legal, investigation or workplace relations matters, along with a strong sense of fair process, confidentiality and sound decision-making. A working knowledge of New Zealand employment law is helpful, though the ability to learn quickly is also valued.

Clear and approachable written and verbal communication is important, as is the ability to build trust with leaders, employees, unions and other stakeholders. Confidence in coaching, influencing and supporting others through sensitive situations will also be essential.

A practical, solutions-oriented mindset, plus resilience and discretion, will help you succeed. Direct experience with complex ER cases, investigations, personal grievances, mediation or union engagement would be an advantage, but strong transferable experience and a genuine interest in employment relations are also welcome.

Benefits

Permanent employees can access a range of benefits, including secure free onsite parking at Auckland locations, discounted health insurance for you and your family, special accommodation rates at holiday homes around New Zealand, retail discounts with partner brands, and an Employee Assistance Programme for extra support when needed.

Additional benefits are also available.

Location and working style

The role is based in Wellington CBD with flexible working, or alternatively Auckland (Highbrook).

Additional information

Applications close on Thursday 9 July 2026. The closing date may change because of the fast-moving nature of the business, so early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants must show proof that they are eligible to work in New Zealand and will need to complete a security check and reference checks. Depending on the role, a credit check and/or drug test may also be required.

Applications should be submitted directly through the organisation’s online portal. External recruitment agencies will only be considered if they have already been approved.

The organisation is committed to inclusion and is a Gold Supporter of Pride Pledge.

For a confidential discussion or more information, contact Michele Christie, Talent Partner, on 022 087 5195.