Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations

• Permanent full time
• Role can be based anywhere in New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

As New Zealand's largest employer, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora operates across a large, diverse and roster-intensive workforce, making industrial relations a critical strategic priority. As Chief Advisor, Industrial Relations, you will provide trusted, independent and authoritative advice on complex and high-risk industrial matters across the organisation.

Working closely with the Head of Industrial Relations and senior leaders, you will bring a system-wide perspective to industrial relations, providing insight, constructive challenge and early advice on emerging risks and opportunities. You will advise and influence at the highest levels, including the Executive Leadership Team, Chief Executive, Board and, where required, the Minister and central agencies. You will also represent the Head of Industrial Relations as required and lead priority projects, advice and interventions across the function.

About you

You bring extensive experience in a large, complex organisation. You have the credibility and confidence to advise and influence senior leaders, and are comfortable operating in politically sensitive and highly confidential environments where sound judgement and independent thinking are essential.

You build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including unions and central agencies, and can influence through expertise and credibility rather than formal authority. You have experience leading high-stakes projects and providing strategic advice in complex and ambiguous situations. A relevant tertiary qualification and public sector experience are desirable, as is a demonstrated commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for Māori and putting Te Tiriti o Waitangi into action.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community**.** We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 11:59PM Sunday 8th November 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Cherushka Pillay at [email protected]