Employment Relations Advisor

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our akonga in our education system.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga

This is a permanent role based in Wellington

There are 15 collective agreements within the education sector, as part of the Employment Relations team you will work to prepare for the cyclical bargaining of these agreements. The Advisor supports the development of strategies and approaches within the ER work programmes to achieve bargaining outcomes aligned with the Ministry's purpose and agreed government workforce policy and strategies.

The role will contribute towards the negotiation of collective agreement and pay equity settlements on behalf of the Ministry consistent with the agreed bargaining parameters.

Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued supported.
• The ability to purchase extra days leave.
• A range of employee network groups.
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

About you | Mohou ake

We are looking for a person to join our team who has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, e.g. human resource management, economics or law
• Experience in a complex organisation
• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience in public sector collective bargaining is desirable
• Experience or interest in related fields such as human resources management, project management, workforce planning and payroll management is highly desirable
• Experience in or ability to quickly develop a good understanding of the machinery of government and relevant employment Acts, e.g. Education Act, Official Information Act, Employment Relations Act
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will also offer:

• A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
• An ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• A track record of building and maintaining trusted relationships with identified stakeholders.
• Sound political awareness and ability to navigate government processes and navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to think strategically at an organisational level.
• The ability to develop and implement organisational and/or group strategy.
• A willingness to engage people in the organisation and group vision, leads with purpose, persuade and inspire others.

We are a small but focused team of specialists who work closely with schools, education sector unions, and peak bodies to set conditions and resolve employment relations challenges within the education sector.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Matauranga, leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.

Our Employment Relations team works to ensure current and up to date conditions of employment are in place for people working in schools and kura around the country.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations and Payroll Operation at tim.tucker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight - Sunday, 16 March 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.