Employment Relations Advisor

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

• We are looking for an Employment Relations Advisor to join our team!
• Fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or entry-level professional with a keen interest in employment relations.
• Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington.

The  Employment Relations Advisor supports the development of strategies and approaches within the Employment Relations work programmes to achieve bargaining outcomes aligned with the Ministry’s purpose and agreed government workforce policy and strategies.

As part of the Employment Relations team this  role will work  on the 15 collective agreements within the education sector, to prepare for the cyclical bargaining.

As the  Employment Relations Advisor you will contribute towards the negotiation of collective agreement and pay equity settlements on behalf of the Ministry consistent with the agreed bargaining parameters.

Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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

We are looking for a person to join our team who has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, e.g. law , pollical science, human resource management or economics
• Experience in a complex organisation
• Proven ability  to  building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Public sector collective bargaining experience  is desirable but not essential.
• An interest in related fields such as human resources management, project management, workforce planning and payroll management is highly desirable.
• Ability to quickly develop a good understanding of the machinery of government and relevant employment Acts, e.g. Education Act, Official Information Act, Employment Relations Act

You will also offer:

• An ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• Demonstrated experience  of building and maintaining trusted relationships with identified stakeholders.
• Sound political awareness and ability to navigate government processes and navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A willingness to engage people in the organisation and group vision, leads with purpose, persuade and inspire others.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga,  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.

The  Employment Relations team works to ensure current and up to date conditions of employment are in place for people working in schools and kura around the country.

We are a small but focused team of specialists who work closely with schools, education sector unions, and peak bodies to set conditions and resolve employment relations challenges within the education sector.

Our team values growth and success and offer on the job experience and training in a supportive environment with mentorship from experienced professionals.

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 Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations, and Payroll Operation at tim.tucker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday, 28 April 2025.

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.