Workplace Relations Specialist

Help shape workplace relations across one of New Zealand’s leading transport operators.

Kinetic is seeking an experienced Workplace Relations Specialist to lead and support collective bargaining across our New Zealand operations. Reporting to the Head of Workplace Relations – ANZ, this influential role will provide pragmatic employment relations advice while helping protect Kinetic’s commercial and operational interests.

You will work closely with unions, employees, operational leaders and HR Business Partners to deliver outcomes that are legally sound, commercially sustainable and aligned with Kinetic’s broader ANZ workplace relations strategy.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading collective bargaining for New Zealand collective employment agreements, from claims analysis and strategy development through to ratification
• Representing Kinetic in negotiations and correspondence with unions and employee representatives
• Developing constructive union relationships while protecting the organisation’s position
• Managing industrial action risk and leading related communications with employees and leaders
• Supporting compliance with good-faith bargaining obligations
• Providing practical advice to HR Business Partners on complex employment relations matters
• Translating complex legal and industrial matters into clear, accessible advice for a range of audiences
• Contributing to a safe, respectful and risk-aware workplace

What you’ll bring

• A tertiary qualification in Law, Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related discipline
• Demonstrated collective bargaining experience within a New Zealand unionised environment
• Strong working knowledge of the Employment Relations Act 2000 and related New Zealand employment legislation
• Experience providing advice on complex employment relations matters
• Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to remain composed and professional in high-pressure situations
• High attention to detail and sound commercial judgement

Why Kinetic?

At Kinetic, our mission is to improve the livelihoods of the communities in which we live and operate. We move people, enhance communities and strive to be an employer of choice.

Our values of passion, authenticity, integrity, humility and respect guide how we work with one another and the communities we serve.

If you are an experienced workplace relations professional who can balance legal compliance, commercial outcomes and constructive stakeholder relationships, we would like to hear from you.

Apply now to help shape positive and sustainable workplace relations outcomes across Kinetic’s operations.