Senior Advisor, Employment Relations

Join to apply for the Senior Advisor, Employment Relations role at Ministry of Education New Zealand .

Date advertised : 20 Nov 2025. Job type : Permanent. Location : Wellington, NZ.

About this role

This permanent opportunity based in Wellington involves working within a small, focused, and fun team. The role includes providing specialist employment relations advice, particularly in the context of education sector collective agreements and pay equity negotiations.

The Senior Adviser, Employment Relations will be accountable, as a key member of the Employment Relations team, for preparation, undertaking, and implementation of bargaining for negotiations and education sector collective agreements. This will involve making a significant contribution to related work programmes and working closely with Ministry colleagues and stakeholders to ensure bargaining outcomes strongly support government policy objectives for education. You will also be responsible for the end-to-end management of issues which require the provision of specialist employment relations advice.

Salary range : $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

About you

• Experience working in employment relations and / or industrial relations in a large and complex organisation.
• Experience developing and implementing bargaining strategies and plans that encompass a broad spectrum of communications activities.
• The ability to work across a number of workstreams and operate in an ever-changing environment.
• Relationship management skills – the ability to influence and advise senior leaders, identify key communications issues, and deliver relevant services.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team

The Education Workforce Group comprises workforce strategy and planning, contracts and implementation, and employment relations, including collective bargaining and pay equity. The group supports the sector to build a workforce that has the capability and capacity to deliver high‑quality practice and can support innovation across the system to lift student achievement.

How to apply

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume 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 Operations at

Applications close

Midnight – Wednesday 3 December 2025.

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.

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