Employment Relations Consultant

Job Category: Human Resouces & Recruitment Help our leaders create positive workplace experiences by providing trusted employment relations advice that supports our people and enables them to do their best work. We're looking for an Employment Relations Consultant (Internally known as People Relations Consultant) to join SPCA on a fixed-term basis. In this role, you'll be the first point of contact for employment relations guidance, partnering with leaders across New Zealand to navigate everything from performance and misconduct through to workplace conflict, investigations, and policy advice. If you're someone who enjoys building trusted relationships, coaching leaders, and finding practical, people-focused solutions while ensuring compliance with New Zealand employment legislation, we'd love to hear from you. Every conversation you have helps strengthen our people so they can continue making a difference for animals across New Zealand. ABOUT THE ROLE Fixed-term, part-time position (3–4 months) 20 hours per week, with flexibility around how these hours are worked Ideally based in Auckland, but we can be flexible for the right candidate, with hybrid working options As our Employment Relations Consultant, you'll work closely with the People Experience Manager and wider People Experience team to provide timely, practical advice on a broad range of employment relations matters. You'll support leaders through complex situations while helping ensure fair, consistent outcomes that align with our values and legal obligations. Alongside your employment relations work, you'll contribute to People Experience initiatives, projects, and continuous improvement activities that help strengthen our people practices across SPCA. Key Responsibilities Provide confidential employment relations advice and coaching to leaders and employees across New Zealand. Support managers with performance management, disciplinary processes, misconduct, grievances, investigations, restructures, and other employee relations matters. Ensure compliance with the Employment Relations Act and other relevant employment legislation while providing practical, risk-based advice. Lead or support workplace investigations, documenting findings and recommending appropriate outcomes. Develop employment documentation and maintain accurate employee relations records. Contribute to People Experience projects, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Build strong relationships with leaders, providing trusted guidance that promotes positive workplace culture. Work collaboratively with the wider People Experience team to deliver positive people outcomes. You will also bring Proven experience managing a broad range of complex employment relations matters. Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and employment relations best practice. Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills with the confidence to coach leaders through complex situations. Excellent judgement and the ability to balance compliance with practical, people-focused outcomes. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and sensitive matters simultaneously. A collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused mindset. Experience working with HRIS systems (ELMO experience is advantageous but not essential). Experience in a broader HR Advisory or Business Partner role would be advantageous. SPCA PURRRKS Flexible working arrangements. A collaborative and supportive People Experience team to work alongside. A meaningful role where your work directly supports the people who care for animals across New Zealand. The opportunity to contribute to People Experience projects beyond employment relations. Access to discounts and benefits, including retail offers and wellness support. Free parking HOW TO APPLY If you're passionate about employment relations and enjoy helping leaders navigate complex people matters with confidence, we'd love to hear from you. Applications close on 21 July, however we'll be reviewing applications as they're received, so we encourage you to apply early. We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. #J-18808-Ljbffr