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We're looking for an inspiring HR leader to take charge of our national HR and IR strategy—someone who can elevate culture, lead with impact, and deliver smart workforce solutions across a diverse, multi-entity organisation.
Who We are
At New Zealand Health Group, we’re proud to be Aotearoa’s leading provider of home and community support services. Through our trusted network of brands – including Geneva Healthcare, HealthCare NZ, Solora, NZCL, Geneva Wellbeing, and Explore – we support over 30,000 people across the country and employ more than 10,000 dedicated health professionals.
With over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation, behavioural support, health staffing, and training, we’ve built a reputation for care that goes beyond the expected. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to innovation – continuously evolving how we deliver services to help people live independently, with dignity, and in the place, they call home.
In this influential position, you’ll lead the HR business partnering team, oversee the Group’s ER/IR strategy, and support leaders to navigate complex industrial environments. You’ll be the architect of forward-thinking IR solutions that foster sustainable employee engagement, mitigate risk, and deliver on our people and business goals. This role can be based in either Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland or Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Develop, lead, and execute an integrated industrial relations strategy across the Group and its subsidiaries.
2. Proactively manage union relationships, fostering constructive, transparent, and solutions-focused engagement.
3. Lead collective bargaining processes that align with organisational priorities while supporting workforce engagement.
4. Provide strategic ER/IR advice, oversee disputes and case management, and lead responses to legislative change to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
5. Coach and support leaders in navigating high-risk ER/IR matters and complex workforce challenges.
6. Drive capability building across the business by developing tools, training, and strategic ER/IR guidance.
7. Position HR as a strategic enabler, partnering with business leaders to inform decision-making and deliver people-focused solutions.
8. Represent People & Culture at senior levels, ensuring initiatives are aligned with business strategy and culture goals.
9. Support organisational transformation, change initiatives, and continuous improvement in people practices.
10. Contribute to the design and delivery of the Group’s People & Culture strategy, including talent, engagement, and performance programs.
11. Promote a proactive and values-led approach to people management, focusing on prevention, wellbeing, and positive employee experiences.
Extensive senior HR leadership experience with a strong focus on industrial and employee relations, including managing complex cases and representing the Company at Mediation.
Degree-level qualification in Human Resources, Business, or related disciplines.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience as lead negotiator in collective bargaining on behalf of an employer.
Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes in high stakes bargaining and dispute settings.
In-depth knowledge of employment law, unionised environments, and collective agreement frameworks.
Demonstrated success in building trust-based relationships with unions, senior leaders, and key stakeholders.
Ability to navigate complexity with sound judgment, influence at all levels, and balance people and business needs.
Strategic thinker with practical execution skills—you know how to turn policy into action and lead through change.
If you’re ready to drive strategic IR transformation and lead HR with impact across a diverse and dynamic organisation, we want to hear from you.
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Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
* How many years' experience do you have as a National HR Manager?
* How many years' experience do you have in industrial relations & employment law?
* What's your expected annual base salary?
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