Job Description

Manager, People Operations

Wellington | Permanent, full‑time

Lead and elevate People Operations in a complex, high‑performing environment.

This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced HR operations leader to shape how people processes, systems and services operate across a leading financial services organisation. Work closely with the Chief People Officer as their trusted right‑hand partner.

About the role | Mō te tūranga

You will lead the end‑to‑end delivery of people operations across the employee lifecycle, including remuneration (excluding payroll), people data and systems, health & safety, compliance, operational risk, and day‑to‑day people support.

Your focus is on delivering smooth, reliable, well‑controlled HR operations that enable leaders and employees to perform at their best. You will embed scalable processes, lift data quality, and provide accurate, audit‑ready insights for senior leadership and committees.

You’ll also play a key role in HRIS enhancements and implementation, modernising systems and simplifying how people services are delivered.

You’ll enjoy leading a small People Operations team, providing clarity, building capability and cultivating a positive, inclusive, service‑focused culture. You’ll lift accountability, consistency and confidence across the function as it matures.

The opportunity | He Angitūtanga

• Partner closely with the Chief People Officer in a visible, enterprise‑level role.
• Shape a newly created operating model and embed disciplined, scalable ways of working.
• Work cross‑functionally with Finance, Technology, Risk and Legal to uplift operational maturity.
• Contribute directly to governance, people reporting and organisational decision‑making.
• Join an organisation that values high standards, operational excellence and professional credibility.

Experience | Ngā wheako matua

To be successful I this role you will bring:

• Significant experience leading people operations or HR shared services.
• Strong knowledge of operational HR practice and NZ employment legislation.
• Proven people leadership - developing capability, clarity and high performance.
• A track record of strengthening processes, controls and service delivery.
• Experience with HRIS platforms or supporting HRIS implementation is highly advantageous.

About you | He kōrero mōu

 You’re a hands‑on operational HR leader with sound judgement and attention to detail. You value clean data, consistent definitions and clear narrative across people reporting. You’re confident preparing polished material for senior audiences and enjoy improving systems, processes and team capability in evolving environments.

How to apply | Tono mai

If this sounds like you, I would love to hear from you. Please click on Apply to submit your covering letter and CV.

For a confidential kōrero, contact:

Maria Lyons — Senior Consultant, Niche Recruitment on 021 403 855 or maria.lyons@nicherecruitment.co.nz 

Applications close: Thursday 29 January 2026.