HR Adviser

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties and 13 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world leading research, scholarship, teaching and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Are you an HR professional who enjoys supporting leaders to create a positive workplace culture? Do you have a solid grasp of New Zealand employment legislation, experience in Employment Relations,  and a thoughtful approach to providing practical and pragmatic advice?

We are seeking an HR Adviser who enjoys working with people to deliver fair and positive workplace outcomes. In this role, you will work alongside leaders and colleagues to support a wide range of people matters while fostering a culture of respect and continuous improvement.

Working closely with an HR Manager and Senior HR Adviser, you will support a defined portfolio while contributing to the wider HR team. Together, the team works to strengthen leadership capability, support employee engagement, and enable positive performance outcomes. You’ll play a key role in delivering HR generalist support, offering high-quality coaching and advice, and building strong relationships to influence positive people outcomes.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment, supporting a variety of Employment Relations matters, and building trusted relationships with leaders and colleagues.

Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Provide timely and practical HR guidance across a broad range of people matters
• Partner with leaders to build confidence and capability in people management
• Apply your knowledge of New Zealand employment law and employment relations practice by supporting managers with Employment Relations processes, including more complex scenarios
• Manage a varied portfolio of HR work while balancing priorities
• Contribute ideas that support continuous improvement in HR policies, practices, and processes
• Work collaboratively across the HR Advisory and broader HR team while also delivering your own portfolio of work

We value inclusive HR practices and welcome candidates who demonstrate an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and apply a culturally responsive approach to supporting leaders and teams.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position

Remuneration: $87,000 - $118,000 per annum, dependent on experience

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are professional and approachable, bringing sound judgement, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to your work. You enjoy building trusted relationships, positive workplace outcomes, and communicate in a clear and effective manner.

You will bring:

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in an HR Advisory or similar role, including strong exposure to Employment Relations matters
• A strong grasp of New Zealand employment legislation and employment relations practice
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders, ideally within a large or complex organisation
• The ability to support, coach, and guide leaders through people matters
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a high volume, varied workload
• A proactive, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to HR

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. 

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

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 22nd March 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV, highlighting how you can meet the skills and experience detailed above.

Please reach out to Sharon Kishore (Recruitment Consultant) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. 

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