Senior HR Adviser - Fixed Term to May 2026

Job Description

Senior HR Adviser | Kaitohutohu Matua Pūmanawa Tangata

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

• Fixed term ending end of May 2026
• $110,000 - $120,000 per annum (pro-rata) based on experience

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Joining Ranga Pūmanawa Tangata | Human Resources, this position joins the Advisory team supporting a diverse and intellectually rich portfolio cluster in the Faculty of Science.

You’ll work closely with leaders across academic and professional services to provide expert HR advice and support. This role has a strong employment relations (ER) focus, including managing complex cases, supporting investigations, and supporting return-to-work processes. You’ll also contribute across the full HR generalist spectrum, including job design, change support, and policy guidance, and collaborate with other teams within and outside of HR.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence and coach senior leaders, enabling strong, HR-informed leadership practices and courageous conversations that support a high-performing and inclusive culture.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring:

• At least five years’ experience in an HR Advisory role, in large or complex organisations
• A collaborative and influential approach, building strong relationships with senior leaders through coaching and empowerment
• Experience leading similarly complex employment relations work, including serious misconduct investigations and case management
• Strong HR generalist expertise and experience
• A collaborative, pragmatic approach and the ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence
• An understanding of cultural competencies required to support a diverse workforce, including effective engagement with Māori and Pacific communities is desirable
• Experience supporting change is also desirable, as is experience in the tertiary sector

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, until the end of May 2026. The starting salary range is $110,000 - $120,000 per annum (pro-rata) depending on experience.

For more detailed information about the responsibilities and requirements of the role, please review the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About us

The HR Advisory team at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland is a well-respected, collaborative and supportive group, dedicated to sharing their time, knowledge, and expertise to ensure our wider Advisory team is empowered and well-supported. Our approach is grounded in the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, fostering strong partnerships that promote excellence, engagement, and leadership within our diverse academic and professional communities.

While much of our work is carried out in person, we also spend some of our week working from home or other office/campus sites. We generally work 1 day from home each week, but maintain flexibility of our weekly schedules to support our leaders and colleagues. Our professional full time contracts are 37.5 hours a week, and can support flexibility of start and finish times (no set times).

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave (pro-rata)
• Discounted car parking, onsite childcare, and a range of staff discounts

For more information, please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Wednesday 27th August 2025 and include a CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with Faith Pallant, Recruitment Manager for a confidential discussion at f.pallant@auckland.ac.nz

While we are happy to answer questions by email, we ask that applications are submitted online.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz