Principal Employment Relations Specialist - Auckland or Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Bring your extensive Employment Relations experience to this exciting role
• Wellington or Auckland based
• Full-time, fixed term with the salary of $156,839 plus 5 weeks annual leave (pro rata)

Te Whiwhinga mahi - Our opportunity

We are currently looking for an experienced employment relations specialist to join our high performing People Partnering Team based in Wellington or Auckland. In this role, you will work closely with assigned business groups and specialist portfolios.

You will support the People Partnering team and People Leaders by providing expert advice on employment agreements and employment relations matters. You will be the point of escalation for the business and the wider People team on ER policies, strategies, solutions and case management processes.

As the Principal Employment Relations Specialist, you will provide coaching and mentoring of others in the People team and lead investigations, project/working groups.

We are looking for someone who is confident, driven and is passionate about what they do. This role will have you communicate with audiences at all levels with clarity and influence. You will work closely with another Principal Employment Relations Specialist where you will partner and provide best practice employment relations solutions.

This role is a fixed term from June 2025 - April 2026

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu - What you will bring

• Significant and proven experience in Employment and Industrial Relations with in-depth knowledge of employment law and related legislation including Public Sector legislation
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of an organisation
• Relevant tertiary qualification in employee relations, law, other related discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a complex work environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and in plain language; experience in producing high quality documents and reports
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, look ahead for potential issues and develop appropriate solutions
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you?  

We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail here https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz/a-great-place-to-work/benefits. 

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities. 

Mō mātou - Our Organisation

At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.

We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō Tātou Uara - Our Values
Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are:

• Manaakitanga - People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi - Better Together
• Whanake - Be Bold

Tūhono mai - Join us
To view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process via http://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz. Please note: all applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process.

If you have any questions, please contact Aash Karnawat, aash.karnawat@kaingaora.govt.nz

Applications close at 11.55pm on Monday 16 June 2025.

As this is a great opportunity, we will be reviewing the CV's as they come in - so apply now!

We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.