Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor, Workforce and Employment Relations

Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor, Employment Relations†Te Ohu Mahi | Workforce Group Wellington Permanent Salary Range: $108,003 to $144,460†We're looking for an experienced Senior Advisor to provide trusted, timely and sound advice on employment relations and workforce matters across the Public Service. This is an opportunity to work at the centre of government, support system-level employment relations practice, and support the Public Service Commissioner's statutory functions in relation to collective bargaining. The role Provision of technically and strategically sound advice on public sector workforce strategy, remuneration and employment relations matters. Hold a portfolio of agencies, providing advice on government expectations and bargaining strategies and settlements. Provide advice on complex 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 and guidance. 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 successful experience in employment relations and/or wider workforce matters in a unionised environment, along with a good working knowledge of New†Z†employment legislation. Experience in remuneration policy or having employer responsibility for employment relations would be beneficial. 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. 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 $108,003 to $144,460. We typically look to appoint to role between $108,003 to $131,551, depending on skills and experience. 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 [email protected] immediately for support. Job ad opened for applications on 19 August 2026. Please submit your application by or on: 2/09/2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr