Group Manager, IR Strategy & Bargaining

Lead national IR strategy and bargaining, shaping the framework, strategy and governance that underpin Health NZ's industrial relations environment. Drive consistent, sustainable outcomes, ensuring bargaining is disciplined, fiscally aligned, clinically informed and deliverable across diverse workforces. Influence at the highest level, navigating complex industrial issues, advising senior leaders and working across government to strengthen workforce confidence and organisational stability. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders. We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care. About the Role The Group Manager, IR Strategy and Bargaining has accountability for bargaining strategy, mandate discipline and national condition frameworks. You will ensure bargaining is appropriately sequenced, costed and fiscally aligned, addresses clinical and service needs, and delivers consistent, sustainable and implementable outcomes. Working closely with the Public Service Commission, Treasury, the Ministry of Health and other central agencies, you will ensure industrial strategy and workforce frameworks support organisational priorities, workforce sustainability and wider public sector expectations. Operating at national scale, you will have a significant influence on Health NZ's industrial stability, fiscal credibility, workforce confidence and executive risk exposure. About You You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in industrial or employment relations within a large, complex and unionised organisation. You bring sound judgement and political nous, with experience leading people, managing risk and resources, and delivering through high-risk and high-profile matters. You have a deep understanding of New Zealand industrial relations, employment legislation, collective bargaining and the public sector environment, with the ability to balance workforce needs, organisational priorities and fiscal constraints. You are a strategic thinker who can translate complex issues into clear direction and practical delivery. You have experience designing frameworks, operating models or programmes that strengthen consistency, governance and organisational capability, and can confidently move between system-level strategy and implementation. Working for Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. Job details Job Reference: Job Reference: HNZ/1941071 Location: North Island - Wellington - All values Job type: Job type: Permanent Full time Expertise: Non-clinical - Human Resources - Human Resources #J-18808-Ljbffr