Head of Employment Relations

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

A well- managed Local Government is one of the seven priorities outlined in Auckland Council's Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034. Group Shared Services (GSS) has been identified as a key strategy to achieve this goal, ensuring consistent, high quality, customer-focussed shared services. Group Shared Services aims to integrate common functions across the council group, eliminating duplication and ensuring consistent, high-quality shared services

Our people services team within group shared services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Employment Relations (ER) to lead the development and implementation of our ER strategy. You will provide the group with consistently high-quality employment law and industrial relations advice. This critical role supports the business objectives of the group (Auckland Council and its Council-Controlled Organisations), aligning with our overall HR strategic plan.

Key responsibilities:

· Lead the development and implementation of ER strategies and plans that support the business objectives of group shared services (Auckland Council’s and CCO’s business).

· Provide the group with consistently high-quality employment law and industrial relations advice, ensuring compliance with New Zealand employment legislation.

· Manage and mentor a team of ER professionals, fostering a culture of high performance.

· Collaborate with senior management to drive change and enhance employee relations across the organisation.

· Manage complex ER cases, ensuring effective and timely resolutions.

· Oversee budget management related to the ER function, ensuring financial performance targets are met Click link to access Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a seasoned HR leader with a deep knowledge of Employment Relations best practices and New Zealand employment legislation. You are driven to achieve outcomes and embedding Agile HR across complex and large organisations. You have strong political acumen and stakeholder relationships are fore front of your service delivery.

What You Will Need to Succeed:

· Tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related discipline is essential.

· 10-12 years’ experience as a HR leader, with some experience in leading employment relations is preferable

· Lead and implement an ER strategy in a Group Shared Services model.

· Drive and embed agile ways of working within the team, and be an active champion of Agile HR across leadership teams.

Key skills:

· Strategic Leadership, excellent stakeholder management, strong influencing and negotiation skills.

· Personal resilience and a problem-solver

· Ability to influence, inspire, and drive delivery across diverse internal and external stakeholders

· Lead through collaboration, care and clarity – building a high-performance team

In addition to the above an understanding and appreciation of the workings and functions of local government and Māori thought processes is desirable.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute. We know that transferable skills can come from experience gained outside of work.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini – My success is not mine alone, but the success of many. As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits Find a copy of the position description here

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Applications close Wednesday, 20th August 2025

The Salary range for this role is $215,000 - $260,000 + Kiwisaver 

To view the position description please click here

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.