People Operations Specialist

• Full Time
• Application Closes 24 Jun 2026
• Wellington - Wellington City
• Human Resources, Training and Labor Relations Specialist

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive People Operations Specialist to join our People Operations team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with leaders, building trusted relationships, and making a real impact across a wide range of people-related matters. As part of our wider People & Culture team, you’ll step into a fast-paced and varied role where your sound judgement, practical mindset, and ability to navigate complexity will really shine. You’ll be someone who can quickly get up to speed, confidently provide support and guidance, and contribute to creating positive outcomes for both our people and the business.

About the role 

The People Operations Specialist is fundamental in helping support the day-to-day people operations across the Bank. This role sits within the People Operations team, as part of the wider People & Culture team. 

As a trusted advisor on all things people, you’ll partner with your assigned business unit and key stakeholders to provide pragmatic advice on all areas of people operations, including employment relations, structural change, role design, recruitment, and general P&C queries. You’ll have a robust understanding of employment legislation, with the ability to apply this in line with our internal Bank policies and processes. 

We’re looking for someone who is experienced, can quickly learn the needs of the business and can hit the ground running. No two days are the same here, so ability to pivot, juggle priorities and be willing to get stuck in is a must. 

You’ll bring the following experience to the table: 

• 3+ years hands-on experience across the full range of P&C activities, including employment relations and organisational change.
• Demonstrated experience building relationships with operational leaders and the ability to provide pragmatic and practical advice and/or solutions. 
• Verbal and written communication skills that are clear, concise and are considerate of implications. 
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage numerous tasks throughout the day.
• Confident in Microsoft Office suite including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. 
• Experience using HRIS and digital tools to support people processes, reporting, and provide practical insights to help leaders make informed decisions.
• Tertiary studies in Human Resources, management or other relevant business discipline (or equivalent work experience) preferred.

Experience Better with Us

We’re a small and mighty Bank driven by the shared goal of helping New Zealanders bank better. As a proudly customer-owned Bank and Certified B Corporation, not only will you be helping Kiwis achieve their goals, but you’ll also experience better simply by working here: 

• Purpose: As a smaller bank, your impact is bigger, you’ll see how your work makes a real difference in delivering exceptional customer experiences and financial outcomes, every single day.      
• Career Growth: Expand your skills, take on new challenges and tap into a range of areas across the Bank. 
• Support: We support you to balance life and work through generous benefits including Wellbeing Leave, Parental Leave Benefits, Life and Critical Illness insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Banking Benefits, Profit Share and Workride. 
• Belonging: You will feel like part of the team from day one. From the way we work together, our commitment to Pride Pledge, and focus on diversity and inclusion, you’ll be part of a team that’s making banking better for New Zealanders, together. 

We’ve been operating for nearly 100 years and support over 180,000 customers across New Zealand. If you’re looking for a role where we work together to make an impact, and you can build a career you’re proud of, you’ve found the right place. 

We understand that no candidate is a perfect match for every qualification listed. So, if you are passionate about helping people to bank better and possess some of the key skills, we encourage you to submit your application. For any questions, please contact recruitmenthelp@co-operativebank.co.nz.

Applications close 24 June 2026.