Senior HR 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’re looking for a confident and solutions-focused Senior HR Advisor to join our Advisory team in a permanent position. This is a key role providing expert employment relations and people management advice, coaching, and support to people leaders across the organisation.

As a Senior HR Advisor, you’ll manage a diverse employment relations caseload, offering pragmatic and timely guidance to enable effective resolution and decision-making. You’ll lead and contribute to a range of operational and strategic HR initiatives.

This role also involves:

• Supporting Advisors, helping to build capability, confidence, and expertise across the team. 
• Providing high-quality, solutions-oriented advice on employment relations and people management.
• Managing a varied ER caseload with professionalism and discretion.
• Leading and contributing to strategic and operational HR projects.
• Interpreting policies and employment legislation
• Mentoring and coaching advisors to build team capability. 

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

We are seeking an HR practitioner who can demonstrate proven experience in employment relations and HR advisory roles.

You will also have:

• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex issues with sound judgement and empathy.
• Experience advising in unionised environments.
• Demonstrable ability to apply sound professional practice and knowledge, across a range of business needs in the areas of:

• employment relationship matters
• workforce capability development
• performance management
• change management.

• A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience mentoring or coaching others is a plus.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The People Sustainability and Place group supports the organisation to look after our greatest strength - he tāngata | our people.

Putting our people first is at the heart of our Ministry People Strategy - He Huarahi Pai | A good path for our people.  Our key strategic outcomes include:

• building Education’s ability to attract, recruit and retain great people
• supporting a highly motivated, engaged, collaborative and diverse workforce
• developing our people’s skills and capability to contribute to strong organisational performance delivering excellent advice and service.

You will be joining a high‑performing Employee Services team that thrives on collaboration, pace, and purpose. We work hard to deliver high‑quality people-focused solutions. We are a supportive team who collaborate, celebrate each other’s strengths, and strive to achieve great outcomes for our organisation.

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 Anita L’Estrange, Team Manager, Advisory Services Anita.Lestrange@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 12 April 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.