Employment Relations Lead

• Lead enterprise-wide employment relations for one of New Zealand’s largest public service organisations.
• Shape workforce strategy and influence senior leaders on complex people matters
• Permanent role, Wellington or Auckland based, with + 5 weeks' annual leave and a suite of additional benefits

Te whiwhinga mahi - Our opportunity
We're looking for an experienced Employment Relations specialist to join our People and Assurance team. Reporting to the Manager People Services, you'll be the organisation's lead advisor on employment relations, industrial relations, employment policy and workplace conduct matters.

This role provides expert advice on complex employment matters, supports organisational change and workforce consultation, and helps ensure Kāinga Ora's employment practices are fair, consistent and legally compliant. You'll work closely with Strategic Business Partners, Senior People Partners and leaders across the organisation.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu - What you will bring
If you have extensive experience in employment relations within a large and complex organisation and a strong understanding of New Zealand employment law and industrial relations practice, then we would love to hear from you.

You'll also bring:

• Experience managing complex employment relations and workplace conduct matters
• Strong judgement and the ability to balance legal, organisational and people considerations
• Experience working with unions, senior leaders and specialist advisory teams
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to provide advice, influence decisions and constructively challenge when required.

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 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 about this role, please contact [email protected]

Applications close on Sunday 6th September 2026 at 11:55pm. Don’t hesitate to apply, as we may review applications as they are received and reserve the right to close advertising early.

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.