Employment Relations Specialist | Wellington

Employment Relations Specialist

• Handle high-risk ER cases, investigations and disputes
• Work closely with unions and senior stakeholders
• Bring practical, human-centred ER expertise
• Based in Wellington CBD with WFH flex

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As an Employment Relations Specialist, you'll be at the centre of complex, sensitive and often high-stakes workplace matters, supporting leaders and employees to navigate challenges with clarity, confidence and care.  This is a role where your expertise genuinely matters.

You'll bring both structure and empathy to situations that don't always have straightforward answers, balancing risk with fairness while helping people feel heard and supported.  With a broad ER remit, you'll work across everything from investigations and personal grievances to union engagement and proactive improvements; no two days the same.

You'll do this by:

• Supporting leaders through complex, sensitive ER matters end-to-end
• Leading investigations with care, fairness and sound judgement
• Guiding personal grievances and representing in mediation where needed
• Building trusted relationships with unions and key stakeholders
• Coaching leaders to build confidence in navigating people challenges
• Identifying opportunities to improve ER practices and outcomes

If you thrive in complexity, enjoy variety, and can bring calm, credible advice when it matters most, then this is the role for you.

Mōu - About you

You're an experienced ER practitioner or Legal Advisor with a keen interest in ER.  Either way you'll be equally comfortable navigating legal complexity and connecting with people in a down-to-earth, human way.  You know it isn't just about policy and process, it's about people, perspective and doing the right thing in tough situations.  You bring sound judgement, resilience and the ability to influence at senior levels while keeping things practical and grounded

Calm under pressure, you build trust quickly and communicate in a way that makes complex things feel simple. You're confident in your expertise, but grounded in how you apply it, always with a focus on practical, fair and human outcomes.

You'll combine that with:

• Proven experience handling complex ER cases and investigations
• Strong working knowledge of NZ employment relations and legislation
• Confidence working with unions and in formal dispute settings
• The ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
• Sound judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset
• Clear, warm communication and a people-first approach

He Aha Te Pai - What you'll love about us! 

We're passionate about our commitment to deliver the best for Aotearoa - to help businesses thrive, and to deliver what Kiwis care about.  Our permanent employees enjoy a variety of benefits including:

• Special rates on fantastic holiday home accommodation around New Zealand
• Retail shopping discounts with our partners
• An Employee Assistance programme to support you when you need it
• Access to discounted health insurance plans for you and your family
• Plus more!!

Hiahia? - Interested? Come and join the whanau!

There's a story in every parcel. And wrapped up in every parcel, is the people of NZ Post.  Our mahi is different, but we share the same goal – to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beautiful Aotearoa.  Whether you're a number-crunching data analyst, a parcel processing whizz, a marketing maven, or a sales superstar, we've got a spot for you in our dynamic team.

Start your journey with us by applying today or find out more details about this opportunity by downloading the JD on the NZ Post Careers page.  If you require additional information, please contact Michele Christie (Talent Partner) on 022 087 5195

Applications for this position close on 27 May 2025

Due to the fast-paced nature of NZ Post, our vacancy close dates may be subject to change, so don't delay and make sure you apply as soon as possible.  

All successful applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand and will be subject to a security check and reference checks.  Some of our roles may also require a credit check and/or a drug test. 

If you're interested in a role, please apply directly through our online portal. No one knows what we do and how we do it better than us, and our in-house talent team are experts at finding the right people for the right roles.  We won't consider candidates through agencies unless this has been previously approved. 

There's something really special about being part of the team here at NZ Post - Tukurau Aotearoa, who we are and what we stand for is grounded in our values.

NZ Post proudly stands as a Gold Supporter of Pride Pledge – because building an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic self to work is core to who we are.