Senior Human Resources Advisor

Overview

Are you a seasoned HR professional with a passion for resolving complex employment issues and driving best practice in employee relations?

We're looking for an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our team and deliver high-quality people advisory services across a fast-paced, dynamic organisation.

This permanent, full-time role is based at the Wellington Customhouse and reports to the Team Leader Human Resources.

About the Role

You'll provide trusted guidance to leaders on performance, conduct, dispute resolution, and employment legislation.

Your sound judgement, resilience, and solutions-focused approach will be key to managing sensitive matters such as disciplinary processes, grievances, and performance management.

You'll also coach and mentor team members looking to grow their HR careers.

Lead and manage complex employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence management.

Provide expert advice on employment law, HR policies, and procedures.

Engage with mediation services to resolve workplace disputes.

Build effective relationships with union representatives and contribute to collective bargaining.

Support organisational change initiatives with a focus on people impact and compliance.

Monitor legislative developments to ensure HR practices remain compliant.

Coach and mentor HR colleagues and line managers to build ER capability.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum 5 years' experience managing complex employment issues, including mediation.

Senior-level HR experience across a broad range of people practices.

Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice, especially in a unionised environment.

Proficiency in MS Office and ability to quickly learn new systems.

Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.

Resilience and ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment.

Attention to detail and critical thinking.

A tertiary qualification in HR Management, Organisational Development, or a related field is desirable.

Salary

$124,950 - $147,000 (dependent on relevant skillset and experience).

Why Join Us?

Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking HR team.

Make a real impact in shaping ER practices.

Access to professional development and career progression.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Flexible working arrangements and three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Work in a values-driven organisation committed to public service, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.

How to Apply

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident

• ) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application.

OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries : either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA.

You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

Applicants must have New Zealand Citizenship or have NZ Permanent Residency and be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance to a higher level.

The successful applicant will also be required to pass an initial drug test.

Please visit our website to apply online by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description along with what attracts you to this position and working within the New Zealand Customs Service.

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.

We provide equal employment opportunities, consider flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.

Applicants who applied for this position in June 2025 need not re-apply

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

Applications close

: 11pm on Sunday 28 September 2025.

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