- Permanent, full-time hours, Wellington based
- Lead strategy. Shape workplace relations. Influence organisational outcomes.
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
As Manager, Industrial and Employment Relations, you will lead the development and delivery of the Ministry's industrial and employment relations strategy while ensuring a consistent, future-focused approach to workplace relations.
This is a pivotal leadership role that sits at the heart of organisational performance, workforce sustainability, and change. You will lead complex negotiations, provide expert advice on high-risk employment matters, and build the trusted relationships needed to achieve positive outcomes across the Ministry.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading end-to-end strategy, preparation, and delivery of collective bargaining negotiations
- Building and maintaining constructive relationships with unions, sector stakeholders, and senior leaders
- Providing expert advice on complex employment and industrial relations matters
- Leading the resolution of significant employment disputes and high-risk workplace issues
- Overseeing the Ministry's remuneration and reward strategy and frameworks
- Leading integrity and code of conduct programmes across the organisation
- Driving the development, review, and implementation of people policies
- Providing strategic leadership to your team, fostering capability, collaboration, and high performance
- Using insights and data to identify workforce risks and opportunities and inform organisational decision-making
- Contributing to the Ministry's strategic priorities through strong stakeholder engagement and effective leadership.
Salary range: $165,601 - $248,251 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
You are a respected employment and industrial relations leader with a track record of delivering results in complex, unionised environments. You bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and exceptional relationship management skills.
To be successful in this role you will ideally have:
- 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
- Strong organisational and political awareness, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and confidence operating at executive level
- Experience leading organisational change and delivering strategic and operational plans
- A commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating a positive workplace culture
You'll have the ability to:
- Build trusted and enduring relationships with unions, executives, stakeholders, Māori and iwi, and wider partners
- Influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation
- Balance risk management with practical and people-centred solutions
- Lead through complexity while maintaining focus on outcomes
- Use evidence, data, and insights to inform decision-making and strategic direction
- Adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
If you're a senior employment and industrial relations leader ready to make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you!
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
We are a high-performing team responsible for industrial and employment relations, remuneration and reward, integrity, and people policy.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, people feel supported to thrive, and everyone can bring their whole selves to work.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter by using the ‘Apply Now' button. In your Cover Letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Bronwyn Kingdom, Acting Chief People Officer, at: Bronwyn.kingdom@education.govt.nz
Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
