Job Description
National Manager Workplace Relations (Contract)
- Hourly or Fixed Term Contract to 30 June 2026
- Wellington location (preferred)
- Immediate Start
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Employment and Industrial Relations specialist to step into the pivotal role of National Manager Workplace Relations on a fixed-term or contract basis through to 30 June, 2026.
This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact in a complex, unionised public sector environment during a period of organisational change.
About the Role
Reporting to the DCE People, you will lead the Workplace Relations team, overseeing industrial relations, union relationships, people policies, specialist advice, and dispute resolution.
You will play a key role in leading collective bargaining, requiring exceptional negotiation skills and deep public sector experience.
What We're Looking For
We need a seasoned ER/IR practitioner and people leader who will have:
- Significant experience leading workplace/employee relations in large, complex, and unionised organisations — ideally in the public sector such as Health, Education, or similar.
- Deep knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and public sector collective bargaining processes.
- Proven ability to lead and influence at a senior level, including with ELT and Board.
- Demonstrated experience in managing large programmes of work and leading teams through change.
- High resilience, adaptability, and political acumen.
- A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
What’s in it for you?
Be at the forefront of shaping workplace relations in one of New Zealand’s most trusted public sector agencies. Our client offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive, values-driven culture.
This is an hourly contract or fixed-term or contract opportunity through to 30 June, 2026. To Apply
If you have the expertise, credibility, and resilience to lead in this environment, apply now!
Please contact Maria Lyons at Niche Recruitment for a confidential discussion : 021 403 855 | maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz