Principal 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

We are seeking a Principal Advisor, Employment Relations (ER) to join our Wellington team in a fixed term or secondment role to 30 June 2026. The Principal Advisor, ER contributes thought leadership and expertise to strategies, work programmes and complex education system issues.

There are approximately 15 collective agreements within the education sector, and this role works closely with the Employment Relations (ER) team to prepare for the cyclical bargaining of these agreements. The Principal Advisor leads the development of strategies and approaches within the ER work programmes to achieve bargaining outcomes aligned with the Ministry’s purpose and agreed government workforce policy and strategies.

This role will contribute to the negotiation of collective agreement and pay equity settlements on behalf of the Ministry, consistent with the agreed bargaining parameters.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 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:

• Experience leading and contributing to strategic initiatives, work programmes or projects that have organisational impact.
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience in researching and developing strategies. 
• Some experience and skills in industrial advocacy, and directly relevant work areas which could include HR management, project management, policy analysis, and payroll management.  
• Experience with statistical, costing and modelling techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of Employment Relations, ability to negotiate and to settle collective agreements.
• Knowledge of the public sector environment and machinery of government. 
• Knowledge of public sector labour market issues. 
• Strong relationship management skills. 
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail. A relevant tertiary qualification is highly desirable.

 You will also offer:

• A proven track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes. 
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.  
• A proven track record 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 with the ability to engage people in the organisation and group vision, leading with purpose to inspire others.
• Ability to think strategically at an organisational level and develop and implement organisational and/or group strategy.
• 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.

Our 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.

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 Operations at Tim.Tucker@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 12 November 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.