Senior People Business Advisor

About the organisation

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is Aotearoa’s largest provider of services that support the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki, and their whānau. Their work is centred on helping children and families flourish, with people and community wellbeing at the core of the organisation’s purpose.

Role overview

This is a full-time fixed-term opportunity through September 2027 for an experienced and strategically minded Senior People Business Advisor. Based within the People and Culture team and reporting to the Head of People, the role blends senior business partnering with leadership of organisation-wide people initiatives that build capability, culture, and performance.

The position suits someone who can think at a strategic level while also staying practical and hands-on. It calls for strong relationship-building skills, the confidence to influence senior leaders, and the ability to drive change across a complex, purpose-led environment.

What you'll do

• Work closely with senior leaders to provide both strategic and day-to-day guidance on people matters.
• Lead people projects and change programmes that affect the organisation as a whole.
• Apply workforce information and insights to support planning and better decision-making.
• Deliver specialist advice on employment relations and help leaders manage people issues well.
• Coach and influence leaders to strengthen people leadership capability.
• Help shape and implement the People Workplan.
• Support change activity and ongoing improvement across the organisation.
• Mentor and guide a People and Projects Advisor.
• Promote pro-equity approaches and culturally responsive ways of working across the organisation.

What we're looking for

We are seeking a seasoned HR professional who enjoys partnering with leaders and thriving in a busy, changing environment.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• At least five years of experience in a senior HR or people partnering position supporting senior leaders.
• Strong expertise in employment relations, preferably in a unionised setting.
• Experience creating and delivering people initiatives across complex organisations.
• A track record of building trusted relationships and coaching leaders effectively.
• Well-developed project management skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities.
• Confidence using data and insights to shape decisions and influence outcomes.
• Good knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• Clear commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, pro-equity principles, and culturally responsive practice.
• A genuine desire to support people and improve workplace experiences.

You will also be expected to reflect the organisation’s values of Māia, Tūhono, Manaaki, and Māhaki.

Benefits and perks

• Extra wellbeing days to support your health and overall wellbeing.
• Flexible working options and a strong emphasis on balance between work and life.
• Retail savings, including discounts for childcare, holiday homes, rental cars, and more.
• Access to Fitness Passport with reduced entry to a wide range of fitness facilities.
• Ongoing opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Programmes that strengthen cultural capability and support the pro-equity journey.
• The chance to contribute to work that creates a lasting impact for tamariki and whānau throughout Aotearoa.

Application information

Applications must be submitted online and close on Monday 29 June. Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and the advert may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

For role-specific questions, contact HR@plunket.org.nz.

Additional information

This is a full-time fixed-term role based onsite in South Wairarapa District, Wellington, New Zealand. The employer seeks someone motivated by meaningful community impact and comfortable working in a collaborative People and Culture environment.