Employment Relations Lead
Employment Relations Lead
Mō te Tūranga | About the Role
Are you an experienced Employment Relations professional who thrives on solving complex people challenges and influencing positive workplace outcomes? As our Employment Relations Lead, you will be the organisation’s trusted subject matter expert, providing specialist case management, guidance, and technical advice across employment and industrial relations. Partnering closely with senior leaders and our People & Culture Business Partners, you will lead the management of complex ER matters including investigations, disputes, grievances, and organisational change processes. Your expertise will ensure risks are managed effectively while balancing legal compliance with a pragmatic, values-led approach that supports a fair, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. You will also play a key role in coaching and developing leaders across the organisation, building confidence and capability in core employment relations practices through training, workshops, and practical guidance.
Beyond case management, you will help shape the future of employment relations at Southern Cross Healthcare by driving continuous improvement across ER frameworks, policies, templates, and processes. Staying ahead of employment legislation and industry best practice, you will contribute to policy development, support collective bargaining activities, and act as a key point of contact for unions and employee representatives. Working collaboratively across the wider People & Culture team, you will ensure policies and processes remain effective, accessible, and aligned with broader organisational initiatives, while maintaining ER reporting and insights that help guide decision-making and strengthen our positive workplace culture. This is a full-time permanent position based in our National Support Office in Auckland CBD.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Extensive Employment Relations expertise, with 7+ years’ experience in a specialist ER or Centre of Excellence role — or significant ER exposure within a senior HR generalist role in a large, complex organisation.
- Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation, with the ability to confidently navigate complex ER matters and provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Human Resources, Employment Relations, Employment Law, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to partner effectively with leaders and stakeholders at all levels, building credibility and trust.
- Commercial and strategic thinking, enabling you to design and support policies, frameworks, and initiatives that align with and support organisational goals.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly, listen to diverse perspectives, and guide balanced outcomes.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality outcomes to tight deadlines.
- A proactive, self-driven approach, with the motivation and capability to lead projects and drive continuous improvement.
- High levels of integrity and discretion, maintaining confidentiality while managing sensitive and complex people matters.
- Healthcare sector experience and familiarity with union environments or complex workforce structures would be advantageous.
Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:
- Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and a break over Christmas/New Year.
- Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements.
- Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.
Ko wai matou | Our Organisation
At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:
- Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
- Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
- Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.
If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation.
Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora
Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
