Principal Advisor

Mo tenei turanga mahi| About this role

Help shape people strategies that make a real difference

Strategic. Influential. People-focused

Drive change. Inspire people. Deliver results

Bring your Stakeholder relationship management experience to this position

We are on the lookout for an exceptional Principal Advisor to provide expert guidance and drive impactful workforce initiatives. This exciting opportunity is a full-time permanent role, based in our Wellington Customhouse.

About the role | Korero mo te turanga

The role of the Principal Advisor is to support the Chief People Officer to lead an efficient, effective and future-focused HR function. It plays a central role in supporting the development and alignment of the People Strategy, supporting group-wide planning, influencing a quality delivery discipline and process optimisation, and undertaking research and project delivery.

Operating at a senior advisory level, the role helps ensure strategic clarity, improves coordination across functions, and advances the group's ability to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.

About You | Ko wai koe

To be successful as a Principal Advisor you need to be technically proficient in the following :

Strategic planning and prioritisation.

Functional integration and coordination.

Process mapping and optimisation.

Continuous improvement and system thinking.

High-quality written communication and brief development.

Significant experience in a senior HR, strategy, or advisory role, ideally within the public sector.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and strategic planning processes.

Strong understanding of HR operating models, governance, and process improvement.

Experience working with and advising senior leaders.

A relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Public Policy, Organisational Development, or a related field is desirable.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o Aotearoa

We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.

We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through :

offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.

fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.

supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.

providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations).

Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Working for New Zealand Customs...

To join Customs in any role you must be aNew Zealand citizenorNew Zealand permanent resident

• and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance to Confidential level.
• ) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application.

OR

A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. >

6 months in one of the following countries : Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.

Because of the nature of Customs' work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.

How to apply...

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).

If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

Deadline for applications is 11pm, Wednesday 3 December

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.Customs | Te Mana Arai supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your flexible working requirements.