Job Description

HR Business Partner

Ready to step beyond traditional HR and genuinely influence how a business grows?

Our Wellington-based client is looking for a commercially minded, confident HR Business Partner to lead its people strategy across a diverse and growing operation spanning New Zealand and Australia.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and sitting on both the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, you’ll have a genuine voice at the table. You’ll help shape culture, strengthen leadership capability and keep approximately 250 employees connected through a period of growth and change.

The Role

You’ll take ownership of the full HR function, supported by an HR Advisor and a dedicated HSE resource. Your responsibilities will include:

• Aligning the people strategy with the wider business direction
• Providing practical, trusted advice to directors, managers and team leaders
• Leading workforce planning, recruitment, retention and remuneration initiatives
• Managing employee relations, performance and organisational change
• Overseeing payroll processes and ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Supporting leadership development, succession planning and capability building
• Managing AEWV and immigration processes where required
• Delivering clear HR reporting to the Managing Director and Board
• Providing strategic oversight of HSEQ systems and compliance

Your first six months will focus on lifting HR’s visibility across the business, strengthening values and engagement, and building strong relationships with employees and leaders.

About You

You’re visible, approachable and commercially aware -but you’re also prepared to challenge thinking and say “no” when the business needs to hear it.

You’ll bring:

• Broad, hands-on HR experience, ideally within a commercial environment
• A relevant HR qualification and leadership experience, or substantial practical experience
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation
• Experience overseeing payroll and HR compliance
• The confidence to influence at executive and board level
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to employee relations
• Strong communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
• Immigration or AEWV experience would be useful, but isn’t essential
• A commitment to ongoing professional development

You’ll also need to be comfortable in a friendly, dog-friendly office where the lolly jar generates almost as much discussion as the people strategy.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary with great benefits plus annual profit-share scheme
• Southern Cross medical insurance;  trauma-event cover; Life cover of twice your annual salary
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
• Support for continued learning and HRNZ involvement
• Direct exposure to the Board, executive leadership and twice-yearly strategy sessions
• Relocation support may be considered