Specialist, Employee Relations

About the role

IAG is seeking a Specialist in Employee Relations to deliver expert, compliant and trusted guidance to P&C teams, business leaders and their teams. This position helps create a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace by supporting effective policies and processes that align with IAG’s purpose and strategic priorities.

You will contribute to a people-first organisation and play an important part in shaping a workplace where everyone can do their best work.

This is a 12-month fixed-term, full-time position based across multiple locations in New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Advise P&C, leaders and teams on employee relations matters within agreed service standards, while staying aligned with policies, procedures and legal obligations.
• Support the rollout of employee relations initiatives, including leader training to build capability and address emerging trends.
• Partner with the ER Lead and ER Advisors on complex and escalated casework.
• Carry out P&C due diligence and integration work.
• Coordinate with the internal employment law team to escalate matters and obtain legal input when needed.
• Contribute to the people-related elements of business projects and transactions.
• Identify and reduce risk by working with P&C and business leaders on employee relations issues.
• Handle claims and represent IAG in mediation and before the Employment Relations Authority.
• Track external trends, legislation, case law and regulatory changes to maintain a current and compliant employee relations approach.
• Build influence with internal and external stakeholders, including unions.

What you will bring

• 5 to 8+ years of experience in employee relations or employment law, ideally in a complex commercial environment.
• The ability to convert detailed and technical employee relations issues into practical, easy-to-understand advice.
• Experience advising on the people aspects of business deals, projects or change initiatives.
• Confidence working independently and proactively, as well as contributing strongly in a team.
• A strategic approach with the ability to anticipate issues and address them early.
• The courage to challenge constructively and influence a range of stakeholders.
• Experience coaching leaders and HR practitioners on employee relations topics.
• A habit of monitoring external changes and applying them effectively inside the organisation.
• The ability to collaborate across functions and broader groups to reach shared outcomes.
• Strong mediation capability.

What we offer

• Boosted KiwiSaver with a 4.5% employer contribution, plus life insurance as standard.
• 20 days of annual leave and 5 additional MyLeave days for what matters to you.
• Flexibility options, including work from home through myFlex.
• Up to 50% discount on personal insurance, including home and motor cover.
• An annual $500 health and wellbeing payment.
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning, the IAG Academy, study support and secondment opportunities.
• Employment-type eligibility criteria apply.

Additional information

Applications close on Sunday 5 July 2026 at 11:59 PM AEDT.

If you need adjustments or support during recruitment, you can contact careers@iag.co.nz for a confidential conversation.

About IAG

IAG is the largest general insurance group across Australia and New Zealand. Through its family of brands, the company works to make insurance more accessible and supports everyday Australians and New Zealanders in achieving their ambitions.

As part of IAG, you can expect purpose-led work, a strong sense of connection and belonging, and opportunities to build a meaningful career. The organisation values diverse perspectives, supports community connection, and is committed to growing Māori prosperity and wellbeing through He Rautaki Māori.