Employment Relations Specialist

Christchurch, City Campus Permanent, full-time

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi - About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Employment Relations Specialist to join our People and Culture team at Ara.

This is a Business Partner level role, with a specialist focus on employment relations, where you’ll work closely with our Business Partners, Senior Advisors and leaders across the organisation. Your work will directly shape how we partner with the business by providing expert, practical advice that is fair and builds positive, respectful working relationships and supports confident, capable leadership.

You’ll bring a steady, balanced approach to your work and will have excellent knowledge and understanding of current legislation. Whether you’re guiding a manager through a complex situation, supporting collective bargaining processes, or helping shape consistent ER practice across Ara, you’ll focus on what’s fair, workable and aligned with our values.

Alongside your day-to-day work, you’ll contribute to the ongoing development of our employment relations approach supporting consistency, building capability, and making sure our practices remain current and fit for purpose.

This is a role with variety and influence. You’ll be trusted to lead more complex matters, share your expertise with others and play a key part in lifting ER capability across the organisation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako - Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who brings depth of experience, sound judgement and a calm, practical approach to employment relations.

You’ll bring:

• A tertiary qualification at degree level in a relevant discipline (Human Resources, Employment Relations, Organisational Psychology, Law)
• Significant experience in a senior ER, HR or People and Culture role within a complex environment
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment law and experience applying it in practice
• Experience working with collective and individual employment agreements
• The ability to build trust and influence at all levels, providing clear, balanced advice
• A collaborative style, working closely with others to achieve consistent, high-quality outcomes
• Confidence leading complex ER matters with professionalism and discretion
• The ability to translate policy and legislation into practical, workable solutions
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Experience in the tertiary or public sector will be helpful, along with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to applying this in practice.

Mō mātou - About us

Ara Institute of Canterbury is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region. Our talented employees, innovative business collaborators and supportive community partners are passionate about the role they play in our learners' success.

Ara is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering services in a manner that responds with excellence to the needs of Māori learners and their whānau, as well as the aspirations of iwi and Māori communities throughout our catchment (including Māori employers).

To deliver effectively on this commitment, Ara recognises the need for a culturally competent and confident workforce vertically and horizontally across our organisation.

Tono ināianei - Apply now

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email [email protected]

Rā katinga - Applications close

Applications close on Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 11:55pm.

Apply now