Job Description

• Permanent, full-time opportunity

• Lead strategic employment relations across a large and complex organisation

• Shape union partnerships, bargaining outcomes and people policies that make a real difference for New Zealanders

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), we're looking for an experienced Employment Relations Manager to lead our Employment Relations Centre of Excellence and provide strategic leadership across employment relations, union engagement, bargaining, people policy and organisational capability.

This is a highly influential role where you'll work closely with senior leaders, people leaders, unions and stakeholders across the organisation to foster productive relationships, support organisational change, and create positive outcomes for our people and the business.

You'll lead the development of NZTA's employment relations strategy, oversee collective bargaining activity, strengthen union partnerships, and ensure our employment policies and practices are fit-for-purpose, compliant and aligned with our people strategy.

If you're equally comfortable operating strategically while rolling up your sleeves to solve complex employment matters, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

To view a copy of the position description click here

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Deep expertise in New Zealand employment law and employment relations practice

• Significant experience working collaboratively with unions and leading collective bargaining negotiations

• Proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders on complex people matters

• Strong strategic thinking combined with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach

• Excellent relationship management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• Experience developing employment relations strategies, policies and frameworks

• Demonstrated success building capability and coaching leaders through challenging employment matters

• High integrity, sound judgement and the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Human Resources, Psychology, Law or an equivalent field.

Ko wai mātou | About us
At NZTA, it all starts with our people. Our success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work while helping deliver a land transport system that connects people, products and places for a thriving Aotearoa.

Pūmanawa Tāngata | People and Safety Group is responsible for developing and managing the people systems, practices and capabilities that enable NZTA to succeed now and into the future. We partner across the business to build a high-performing, inclusive and future-focused organisation.

As Employment Relations Manager, you'll play a key role in strengthening employee and union partnerships, supporting organisational priorities, influencing people strategy, and helping shape the future of work at NZTA.

Along with our other benefits, we also offer NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

5 August 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.