Senior 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

This permanent opportunity based in Wellington, involves working within a small, focused, and fun team. The role includes providing specialist employment relations advice, particularly in the context of education sector collective agreements and pay equity negotiations.

The Senior Adviser, Employment Relations will be accountable, as a key member of the Employment Relations team, for preparation, undertaking and implementation of bargaining for negotiations and education sector collective agreements.

This will involve making a significant contribution to related work programmes and working closely with Ministry colleagues and stakeholders to ensure bargaining outcomes strongly support government policy objectives for education.

You will also be responsible for the end-to-end management of issues which require the provision of specialist employment relations advice.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 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

You will have experience working in employment relations and/or industrial relations in a large and complex organisation.

You will also offer:

• Experience developing and implementing bargaining strategies and plans that encompass a broad spectrum of communications activities
• The ability to work across a number of workstreams and operate in an ever-changing environment
• Relationship management skills – the ability to influence and advise senior leaders, identify key communications issues, and deliver relevant services
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Education Workforce Group comprises workforce strategy and planning, contracts and implementation, and employment relations, including collective bargaining and pay equity. The group supports the sector to build a workforce that has the capability and capacity to deliver high-quality practice and can support innovation across the system to lift student achievement.

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 3 December 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.