Employment Relations Specialist
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
At Heritage Lifecare, we believe in a better every day — for our residents, our teams, and our communities.
As one of New Zealand’s largest aged care providers, we care for more than 2,200 residents across our nationwide network, supported by 2,700 dedicated people who bring compassion and excellence to everything they do.
We’re looking for an energetic Employment Relations Specialist who is passionate about getting the right outcomes, and thrives in a fast-paced, people-first environment. You’ll support the delivery of effective, legally compliant, and people-centred employment relations advice and processes, partnering closely with P&C Business Partners, the P&C Hub, and operational leaders.
You’ll balance building leadership capability with hands-on delivery — rolling up your sleeves when needed, whilst strengthening employment practice across the business.
📍 Wellington (Johnsonville) or Christchurch | Full-time 40 hours per week | Private sector aged care
What you’ll do
- Ensure our people practices uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and meet aged care standards.
- Manage and coordinate ER cases across the organisation — from first contact through to resolution.
- Support and guide leaders through disciplinary, performance, and other employment processes.
- Prepare and review documentation including investigation notes, letters, and outcome summaries.
- Ensure cases are progressed in accordance with policy, legal requirements, and organisational values.
- Provide consistent, pragmatic, and risk-aware ER advice to managers, supporting early resolution.
- Partner with the P&C Hub and Business Partners to triage and manage ER queries at the appropriate level.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that simplify processes and empower leaders.
- Support internal audits and risk reviews relating to ER, investigations, and case outcomes.
- Role-model values of compassion, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and excellence
- Be a proactive resolution focussed communicator and doer, whilst empowering leaders to grow capability and confidence in a unionised, 24/7 environment.
He pūkenga tou | What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in Employment Relations case management and advisory ideally in complex service environments.
- Strong knowledge of NZ employment frameworks and people practice.
- Analytical mindset — comfortable using data and insight to shape decision making.
- Genuine empathy, adaptability, and resilience in the face of sector challenges.
- The ability to influence — partnering with purpose.
- Strong communication skills with people leaders, and others on complex cases, whilst maintaining a pragmatic and legal compliance lens.
Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau | What we offer
- A collaborative, values-driven environment where your work truly matters.
- Opportunities to shape culture and deliver initiatives that impact thousands of lives.
- Professional development and growth within a large national organisation.
- Discounts with leading retailers.
- Regular morning tea shouts and fresh fruit available daily.
- A workplace that celebrates connection, care, and community.
Nau mai haere mai ki Heritage Lifecare | Welcome
At Heritage Lifecare, we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embrace the principles of whanaungatanga, whakapapa, and manaakitanga in the way we connect and care. Together, we create workplaces where people feel respected, valued, and supported to do their best work.
Tono mai | How to apply
If this sounds like you, apply now via the link below — we’re reviewing applications as they come in and will move quickly to interview.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui – stay strong, be brave, be steadfast.
