Employment (and Industrial) Relations Lead at NZ Ministry of Justice, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Shape the future of employment relations at the Ministry of Justice. Lead a small team, drive strategy, and make a real impact for our people. 

Te Haeata/The Opportunity 

As our Employment Relations Lead, you'll provide expert advice and guidance to senior management and the People Experience (PX) team. You'll lead the development and implementation of ER strategies, provide specialist ER advice, and lead initiatives that have a positive impact on the organisation. 

You'll coach and mentor your team members, support complex ER cases, and work closely with unions and key stakeholders to lead the Ministry's collective bargaining processes.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and deliver ER strategies aligned with Ministry goals and values 
• Advise senior leaders and PX advisors on complex ER matters and strategic projects 
• Lead and mentor a small team, fostering a collaborative and delivery-focused culture 
• Manage collective bargaining and maintain strong union relationships 
• Maintain up to date and effective ER policy, procedures, and compliance with legislation 
• Provide specialist advice, quality assurance, and support on ER issues 
• Use data and insights to drive continuous improvement 

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role, we are looking for you to have: 

• Extensive specialisation in employment relations advice and resolution, with strong knowledge of employment legislation 
• Deep experience in collective bargaining strategy and negotiations 
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop others 
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills 
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and building Māori capability 

Experience working in or with the public sector will be advantageous. 

Mō mātou/About us  

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

The purpose of our People Experience team is to help the Ministry's people to have a great experience at work.  This begins before they start with us and goes right though until they leave us.  We build and operate the people-related practices that form the experience of the people who work here, in the areas of organisational development, learning, employment relations and human resources.  We also advise and support our leaders and employees as they do their jobs day-to-day.  We're a group of committed specialists who want to make a difference. 

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.  

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here  

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include: 

• 4.6 weeks holiday leave 
• flexible work hours where possible 
• an online professional development portal 
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks 

See our full range of benefits here. 

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career. 

Utu ā-tau/Salary  

The salary band for this role is $129,129 - $179,192 with the appointing salary based on skills and experience. 

Tono mai/Apply 

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter. 

Applications close on Wednesday 19 November 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date. 

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz 

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