Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join the People and Capability team. This role will be primarily based at the Wellington Customhouse and is a permanent full-time position.
To be successful, ideally you will have at least five years' HR experience at an advisory level and be confident in providing evidence based, high quality, meaningful advice and guidance that supports our people leaders on all aspects of people management. Reporting to the Team Leader Human Resources, the Senior HR Advisor will provide an advanced level of advice to a portfolio of managers across different business groups within Customs and will thrive in a fast-paced, unionised environment. You will also coach and share your experience and knowledge with members of the team who are looking to progress their careers in human resources.
This is an important role, which requires expertise in relationship management, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the organisation. In addition, you will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a sound level of knowledge of employment legislation and be experienced in the management of employment matters i.e. disciplinary cases, mediation, absenteeism, and performance management.
We would like to hear from you, if you have the following:
- At least 5 years' experience managing employment issues including experience in utilising mediation services.
- Significant experience in HR roles and responsibilities across the spectrum of people practices and functions.
- Proven knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice and practical experience of applying this in a complex, unionised environment.
- Quick to pick up new systems and be proficient at using all applications within the MS Office Suite.
- Have a customer-service and problem-solving approach to managing your work.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Resilience, enthusiasm, and the ability to work within a demanding environment with competing demands.
- Attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
- A tertiary qualification (or at least equivalent to Bachelors) in HR Management, Organisational Development, or similar academic disciplines is desirable.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
- offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to be involved in diverse projects.
- fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups
- supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
- providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations)
- Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.
Apply now…
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident*.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application.
OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
Applicants must have New Zealand Citizenship or have NZ Permanent Residency and be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance to a higher level. The successful applicant will also be required to pass an initial drug test.
For further information about the role, please contact Alison Tranter, HR Advisory Team Leader at alison.tranter@customs.govt.nz or Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nz
Please visit our website http://www.customs.govt.nz to apply online by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description along with what attracts you to this position and working within the New Zealand Customs Service.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities, consider flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
Applications close at 11pm on Sunday 29 June 2025.
Interviews to be held on Friday 4 July 2025.