HR Business Partner

Role overview

This position sits within Baxter’s HR function and offers the chance to contribute to work that supports better health outcomes. Baxter’s long-standing mission is to help people live healthier lives, and the company emphasizes courage, trust, collaboration, accountability, and meaningful impact in the way its teams operate.

The organisation is seeking an experienced, people-oriented HR Business Partner for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role reports to the HR Director and can be based in either Mt Wellington, Auckland, or Toongabbie, Sydney. It supports business areas across Australia and New Zealand, working closely with leaders and stakeholders to shape HR strategy and improve engagement, capability, and performance.

What the role involves

You will act as a trusted HR advisor, partnering with business leaders to align people practices with business priorities. The role also includes leading and supporting HR initiatives that strengthen the employee experience, help managers navigate people matters, and contribute to the wider HR team across the ANZ region.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the business to strengthen employee experience and support a positive workplace culture.
• Serve as a coach and advisor to managers and leaders across the organisation.
• Align HR practices with business goals in partnership with senior and line management.
• Design, launch, and manage HR projects that support both the function and the wider business.
• Handle employee relations matters such as disciplinary and grievance issues, while ensuring fair treatment.
• Support the HR Business Partnering team and broader HR group, especially on matters requiring New Zealand employment law knowledge.
• Lead negotiations for Enterprise Agreements.

About you

The ideal candidate brings a proactive, positive mindset and enjoys working with people in a collaborative environment. You should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a regional HR team. Strong organisational ability, sound judgement, and the confidence to influence and negotiate are important for success in this role.

Experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector would be helpful, but it is not mandatory. The role specifically requires a strong background in HR and at least 5 years of experience applying New Zealand employment law.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in HR or a related discipline.
• Proven experience as a strategic HR advisor or in a comparable HR generalist role.
• Hands-on experience with New Zealand employment law.
• Strong understanding of employee relations, performance management, and HR practices.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with regional and offshore teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
• Track record of building effective cross-functional relationships.
• Well-developed organisation and process management skills.
• Experience working in a multinational or matrixed environment.
• Exposure to the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry is helpful, though not required.
• At least 5 years of relevant New Zealand employment law experience.
• Willingness to work in either Auckland or Sydney for the fixed-term assignment.

Equal opportunity

Baxter is committed to fair hiring and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodations

Baxter supports applicants and employees who may need adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during the application or interview process. Candidates who need accommodation are invited to request it and provide their contact details and the nature of the support required.

Fraud warning

Baxter has identified recruitment scams involving imposters posing as company representatives. Job seekers are encouraged to be cautious and to protect personal and financial information from fraudulent requests.

Additional information

This is a 12-month fixed-term role. Internal reference text includes baxgen and #ind-aus.