HR Advisor

TRENDS – Australasia’s Leading Supplier of Customised Product Solutions

At TRENDS, we are committed to creating customised product solutions that deliver an outstanding customer experience. As Australasia's leading wholesale supplier of promotional products and business gifts, we set the benchmark for innovation, product reliability, print quality, delivery speed, and exceptional customer service. Our mission is to deliver for all our stakeholders – staff, customers, service providers, and our wider communities, while also being conscious of our environmental impact. Our vision is to be the global leader in customised product solutions that connect people, driving positive change and progress in the industry. Join us and be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of promotional products and business gifts!

• Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
• Reports To: HR Manager
• Team: Human Resources
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Role

This position is entirely site-based and requires scheduling flexibility to provide adequate coverage across all operational shifts. (Monday to Friday)

This is a real HR advisory role — one where you'll be out in the business, not stuck behind a desk. If you're the kind of HR professional who thrives on being hands-on, building genuine relationships with leaders and frontline teams, you'll love this role.

Reporting to the HR Manager, you'll support a 450+ strong manufacturing workforce across the full employee lifecycle. You'll be the go-to HR partner — the person our people leaders turn to for practical, grounded advice that actually makes a difference.

What makes this role stand out is the environment. Unlike traditional office-based HR roles, this position thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing setting, surrounded by down-to-earth teams and real operational challenges. You'll be out on the floor, working alongside people leaders as they navigate day-to-day people matters, giving confident, on-the-spot advice rather than working from behind closed doors.

And this isn't just a reactive role — there's plenty of opportunity to make your mark. You'll contribute to recruitment, onboarding, policy development, HR reporting, and broader HR initiatives, working closely with your fellow HR Coordinator, Training Coordinator, HR Manager, and CPO. There's real variety here, and real room to grow, in a collaborative team environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as the trusted HR partner for your portfolio of business units, providing generalist HR support across the full employee lifecycle.
• Deliver timely, practical, and legally sound advice to people leaders on performance, conduct, attendance, wellbeing, and employment relations matters.
• Lead ER cases end-to-end — from initial conversations through investigation, outcome, and appeal — with the support and backing of the HR Manager.
• Coach people leaders in the moment, building their confidence and capability to handle people challenges without always needing to escalate.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment for roles within your portfolio, from crafting the brief to making the offer.
• Coordinate onboarding and induction processes that give new employees a genuinely positive start.
• Draft employment agreements, PIPs, warnings, and a full range of HR correspondence accurately and with care.
• Contribute to HR reporting, audit preparation, policy review, and broader P&C initiatives.
• Be a visible, approachable, and trusted presence across the business — in the office and on the floor.

What Makes This Role Different

• You’ll be genuinely embedded in the business. This isn’t an HR role where you wait for people to come to you. You’ll be proactive, present, and known by name across your business units.
• You’ll own real ER work. With 450 employees in a manufacturing environment, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of employment relations challenges that will sharpen your skills and build your confidence fast.
• You’ll work in a team that has your back. You’re not alone — you’ll have a great HR Coordinator, and an HR Manager to escalate to, and a CPO who is genuinely invested in the development of the HR team.
• You’ll be comfortable where it’s busy. Between the office and the floor, the work here moves quickly. If you thrive in that kind of environment and love the variety, this role will suit you well.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• 3+ years of experience in an HR Advisor or generalist HR role, with real ER exposure.
• Strong, confident knowledge of NZ employment law and a track record of managing ER matters independently.
• The ability to deliver practical advice on the spot — in a meeting room, on the floor, or in a production briefing.
• Genuine relationship-building skills and the confidence to work with people at all levels of an organisation.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end recruitment processes.
• Excellent written communication skills — your HR documentation is clear, accurate, and professionally drafted.
• A relevant HR or employment relations qualification
• Experience in or comfort with a manufacturing, logistics, or similarly operational environment.

Why TRENDS?

Here’s what’s in it for you

• Competitive salary commensurate with your experience.
• Health and wellness support to help you thrive both at work and beyond.
• A supportive team environment where you’ll have real peers, a strong HR Manager above you, and a CPO who cares about developing the team.
• Genuine variety in the role — no two days will look the same.
• A flat structure that rewards initiative, fresh ideas, and real contribution.
• The chance to build your HR career in an industry-leading Australasian business.
• Based in Dunedin — a city with great lifestyle, community, and opportunity.

Ready to Apply?

If the above sounds like you then we would love to hear from you. Please click ‘Apply’ and make sure you attached your most up to date CV, Cover Letter, and all relevant certificates. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Any questions can be fielded through to [email protected]

Please note, applications are only considered through SEEK.

The application window will close 12/10/2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This means we reserve the right to close this job ad before the advertised close date.