Chief Advisor, Employment Relations

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

• Permanent, full-time 
• Strategic role that leads the development of employment relations and collective employment agreement strategies, policies and plans for the largest public sector bargaining in New Zealand

We’re looking for a Chief Advisor Employment Relations. This is a newly-created senior role, reporting to the Manager Employment Relations, which involves a significant contribution to our increasingly busy industrial and employment relations work programme.

You’ll need to be a highly experienced operator, and skilled negotiator who relishes the challenge of this fast-paced and increasingly dynamic and complex environment, with multiple collective agreements for our staff currently being negotiated with different unions.

You’ll be comfortable providing strategic advice at a senior level, advising the Chief Executive and senior governance group, and working with external agencies and the Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission to understand and actively manage interdependencies between our work programme and that of other agencies across the public sector.

You’ll represent the Ministry on relevant working groups across the education sector and wider public sector, as well as overseeing a small team of negotiators and employment relations advisors.

Salary range: $140,146 - $170,196 per annum + 3% 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’ll be an experienced practitioner, with a proven track record of working productively with unions to achieve consensus. You’ll need excellent relationship management skills, and be politically savvy, with skills in strategic planning and operational delivery.  
• You will have a keen interest in future employment trends and what people will be seeking from their employer.
• In return, you’ll have the opportunity to make your mark, working collaboratively with our union partners to successfully deliver on key People Strategy outcomes.
• You’ll be making a real difference, helping us to become an employer of choice for people with the diverse backgrounds, skills and knowledge we need to successfully shape New Zealand’s future education system.
• And, you’ll enjoy working with a friendly, supportive knowledgeable team in an influential and highly visible area where you can further develop and broaden your skills and experience.
• You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' 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 reach out to Tim Tucker on 0272419889 or email Tim.tucker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight –  Monday 26 January 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.