Principal Adviser, Employment Relations

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

•  This is a 18 month fixed term role based in Wellington. 

There are approximately 15 collective agreements within the education sector, and this role works closely with the Employment Relations team to prepare for the cyclical bargaining of these agreements. The Principal Advisor leads the development of strategies and approaches within the ER work programmes to achieve bargaining outcomes aligned with the Ministry’s purpose and agreed government workforce policy and strategies. The role will lead and contribute towards the negotiation of collective agreement and pay equity settlements on behalf of the Ministry consistent with the agreed bargaining parameters.

Salary range: $118,371.00 - $143,760.00 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here. 

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported.

• The ability to purchase extra days leave.

• A range of employee network groups.

• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey.

• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments.

• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a person to join our team who has:

• Experience leading and contributing to strategic initiatives, work programmes or projects that have organisational impact.

• Experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

• Experience in researching and developing strategies. 

• Advanced experience and skills in industrial advocacy, and directly relevant work areas which could include HR management, project management, policy analysis, and payroll management.  

• Experience with statistical, costing and modelling techniques.

• Advanced knowledge of Employment Relations, ability to negotiate and to settle collective agreements.

• Significant experience and demonstrated skills and knowledge as educational practitioner.

• Knowledge of the public sector environment and machinery of government. 

• Knowledge of public sector labour market issues. 

• Strong relationship management skills. 

• High level of accuracy and attention to detailA relevant tertiary qualification is highly desirable.

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 You will also offer:

• A proven track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes. 

• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.  

• A proven track record of building and maintaining trusted relationships with identified stakeholders.

• Sound political awareness and ability to navigate government processes and navigate ambiguity in a complex environment. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Thinks strategically at an organisational level.

• Develops and implements organisational and/or group strategy.

• Engages people in the organisation and group vision, leads with purpose, persuades and inspires others.

We are a small but focused team of specialists who work closely with schools, education sector unions, and peak bodies to set conditions and resolve employment relations challenges within the education sector.

 Our group, Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga,  leads the sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Limited and we hold the responsibility for bargaining. We support the organisation so that the key role of the education sector workforce is integrated into their work programmes and services.

Our Employment Relations team works to ensure current and up to date conditions of employment are in place for people working in schools and kura around the country.

 If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Tim Tucker, Manager Employment Relations and Payroll Operation at tim.tucker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday 6th  December 2024.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.