Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisor, Workforce and Employment Relations at Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisor, Workforce and Employment Relations 

Te Ohu Mahi | Workforce Group

Wellington

Permanent

Salary Range: $132,000 to 184,203

We're looking for an experienced Principal Advisor to provide trusted, timely and sound advice on complex employment relations and workforce matters across the Public Service. This is an opportunity to work at the centre of government, shape system-level employment relations practice, and support the Public Service Commissioner's statutory functions in relation to collective bargaining.

The role

As part of the Employment Relations team, this position provides strategic advice and system leadership, including:

• Lead the provision of technically and strategically sound advice on public sector workforce strategy, remuneration and employment relations matters.
• Develop and deliver clear advice on complex agency and system-level employment relations issues, including advice to Ministers and the Public Service Commissioner, in the broader goals and fiscal context for the Public Service.
• Contribute to lifting strategic employment relations capability across the sector, through advice, coaching and communities of practice
• Hold a portfolio of agencies, supporting their development of employment relations strategies and approaches, including collective bargaining strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the sector, the Commission and central agencies, and use those relationships to inform advice and influence outcomes.

Skills and experience

You'll bring extensive experience in employment relations and/or wider workforce matters, along with a good working knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation. Experience in HR, remuneration policy, or employer responsibility for employment relations is a must. You'll be confident working in the government environment, navigating complex issues, and providing clear, practical advice for Ministers and senior leaders.

You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships, influence others, and present complex matters simply.

Knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga and kawa, or openness to developing your understanding of the implications of Te Tiriti for today's Public Service, is important, as is a commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

For more information about our role and purpose, visit our website at www.publicservice.govt.nz.

The team

Reporting to the Manager, Workforce and Employment Relations in a small ER team, this role sits within the Commission's Workforce group, ensuring the Public Service workforce is capable and well-placed to support the delivery of government work programmes, leading advice on workforce strategy and settings to implement government workforce policy. The Workforce group is responsible for leading the HR profession, managing strategic employment relations, approving collective bargaining strategies, delivering workforce and talent management policy advice, and developing guidance to lift diversity and inclusion outcomes across the Public Service. The Leadership Development Centre is also a part of this group.

Important Information

We are committed to building a talented and inclusive Public Service through a recruitment approach focussed on merit. We value diverse experiences, perspectives and skills that strengthen our ability to deliver for the Public Service. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves at work. Talk to us about what flexible work arrangements might work for both you and us.

Salary

The full salary range for the band is $132,000 to $184,203. We typically look to appoint to role between $132,000 to $161,830, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply

If you require additional information, please contact Charlie Busby, Manager Workforce and Employment Relations – charlie.busby@publicservice.govt.nz

In your cover letter we'd like to know:

• about you and your values
• your interest and motivations for this role
• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you would bring to the role and our organisation.

Requirements

Please note that all applicants are required to apply via jobs.govt.nz. You will need a RealMe account to apply.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Te Kawa Mataaho. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

If you have any login issues, please contact jobsiteadministrator@dia.govt.nz immediately for support. 

Job ad opened for applications on 19 August 2026.

Please submit your application by or on: 2/09/2026