Human Resources Business Partner

New Zealand Pharmaceuticals (NZP), based on the outskirts of Palmerston North, has been proudly supplying customers worldwide for over 50 years. As a globally recognised manufacturer of high-quality pharmaceutical ingredients and nutritional products, we serve international pharmaceutical, biotechnology, microbiological media, and health food markets. As part of ICE Pharma, a global organisation headquartered in Italy, NZP continues to deliver trusted products to customers around the world.

At NZP, our people are at the heart of our success, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where our employees can succeed. We are seeking an HR professional who thrives on partnering with leaders, navigating employment matters, and driving positive people outcomes and be pivotal in shaping our people strategy and workplace culture.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of HR, this role provides comprehensive operational and strategic HR support. This is a diverse and hands-on role that partners with all leaders, provides expert advice on people matters, and contributes to initiatives that strengthen capability and business performance. As a trusted HRBP, you will help build leadership capability, manage employee relations, support workforce planning and champion HR best practice while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and Company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & HR Operations

• Provide expert HR advice across a broad range of people matters whilst building strong partnerships with managers to understand workforce needs that support business objectives.
• Support workforce planning, employee engagement, wellbeing, and retention initiatives and manage HR systems and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to local and global HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training and induction activities.
• Partner with managers to drive and effectively manage performance processes and provide support with learning, development, and compliance training.

Employment Relations

• Provide advice on employment agreements, performance management, disciplinary matters, investigations, and conflict resolution and partner with leaders to manage employment risks and ensure fair, consistent, and compliant people practices.
• Maintain relationships with the union and support collective bargaining activities.
• Keep abreast of employment legislation and emerging HR trends and updates.

Payroll & Compliance

• Coordinate the HR interface with payroll and provide payroll processing support and ensure accurate employment records, reporting, and documentation.
• Support compliance with employment law, health and safety requirements, and organisational policies.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, management or a related discipline and be a member of HRNZ.
• At least 5 years' progressive HR experience in a generalist or business partnering role.
• Strong experience managing employee relations matters, investigations, and performance management processes.
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation, health and safety, and return-to-work practices.
• Experience in recruitment, talent management, and payroll administration.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, coaching, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and report writing capabilities.

We're seeking a professional who is:

• A trusted and credible HR professional who is resilient, proactive, and solutions focused.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Passionate about developing leaders, improving people practices, and delivering outstanding employee experiences.

Why Join NZP?

• Be part of a respected global pharmaceutical organisation that values the contribution every team member makes to our overall success.
• Influence strategic people initiatives while remaining connected to operational delivery.
• Partner with leaders and contribute to meaningful organisational outcomes.
• We are committed to recognising your strengths, harnessing your talents and providing opportunities to grow and develop your career with us.
• Join a collaborative and supportive team committed to continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.

We believe rewarding great work is important which is why we offer a range of benefits including healthcare, insurances, and other employee wellbeing initiatives.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining the team, please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV, via the application link.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Danella on [06 952 3800](tel:06 952 3800) or email [email protected]

All applicants must pass pre‑employment medical assessments, including drug screening.