• Permanent, full-time hours, Wellington based
• Help shape a positive and high-performing workplace

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 the Senior Advisor, Industrial and Employment Relations, you will provide expert employee relations advice and support across a range of complex and sensitive matters.

Working closely with the Manager, Industrial and Employment Relations and Employment Relations Leads, you will play a key role in providing high-quality advice, analysing trends and risks, supporting policy development, and contributing to collective bargaining activities.

You will contribute to the development of employment relations frameworks, identify emerging issues through reporting and analysis, and support capability building across People, Culture and Capability teams.

 The key deliverables will be to:

• Provide high-quality employment relations advice and support on complex employee matters
• Monitor and assess upcoming legislative and government policy changes, identifying implications for the organisation and contributing to appropriate responses
• Analyse and interpret employment relations data, identify key themes and trends, and develop recommendations to improve practices, resources, guidance, and manager capability
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR and employment relations policies, projects, and initiatives
• Support the coordination and administration of collective bargaining activities
• Build capability across People, Culture and Capability teams through coaching, knowledge sharing, and quality assurance
• Lead or contribute to innovative solutions that address current and future employment relations challenges
• Identify risks and develop practical solutions that protect and enhance organisational integrity and reputation

Salary range: $101,296 - $122,490 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

This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialist employment relations expertise, influence people practices across the organisation, and support the delivery of strategic workforce outcomes.

You will use your employment relations expertise, analytical skills, and sound judgement to help managers and leaders achieve positive outcomes while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.

 To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Demonstrated experience delivering employment relations outcomes within a large and complex organisation
• Experience partnering across HR functions and building strong stakeholder relationships to achieve shared outcomes
• Significant HR advisory experience, including employment relations expertise at a senior advisor level
• Experience providing professional advice on employment relations matters, including performance management, workplace issues, and change initiatives
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide evidence-based recommendations
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship management skills
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation, including the Employment Relations Act, Holidays Act, and associated legislation
• A relevant qualification in Employment Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or equivalent experience
• An understanding of government processes and the ability to operate effectively within a public sector and politically aware environment
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

We’re a fun and busy team who contributes to meaningful work that supports our high-performing organisation and positive employee experiences. You'll work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment where your expertise will help shape employment relations practice and capability across the organisation.

As a team we:

• Bring people together to achieve successful outcomes
• Coach and mentor others to build organisational capability
• Navigate ambiguity and manage complex employment relations issues
• Use insight, judgement, and influence to support decision-making
• Develop practical, fit-for-purpose solutions that balance organisational needs with employee wellbeing

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 Thursday, 05 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.