Workplace Relations Specialist | Auckland

Workplace Relations Specialist

• Shape how we engage with unions at a national level
• Support leaders through complex employment relations matters
• Play a key role in a large, evolving operational environment
• Based in either Wellington CBD or Auckland (Highbrook)

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

You'll work at the centre of our workplace relations environment, partnering with leaders, ER, and union representatives to navigate complex situations and workplace matters with confidence and care and sound judgement.

You'll lead and support national union engagement, keep conversations moving, and ensure we show up as a credible, well-prepared and constructive employer.

You'll also support leaders through challenging people matters, help manage employment obligations and risk, contribute to wider ER initiatives and change and strengthen how we engage with our people. This is a role where you'll balance relationships, risk, and advocacy, and where not every conversation ends in a clear win, but progress still matters.

You'll do that by:

• Supporting and coordinating union-involved workplace, employment and agreement related matters
• Representing the organisation in union meetings, discussions, forums and issue related discussions
• Contributing to collective bargaining preparation, negotiations, drafting and implementation
• Coaching leaders to navigate workplace conversations, union interactions and employer obligations
• Supporting ER change initiatives, consultation and organisation-wide engagement activities
• Identifying risks, trends, and opportunities to strengthen workplace relation

Mōu - About you

You're a confident workplace or employment relations practitioner, advocate or legal advisor who enjoys working in complex, people‑focused environments.

You're comfortable representing organisational interests, communicating clearly with stakeholders, negotiating constructively, building constructive relationships, and helping leaders navigate challenging conversations with professionalism and care.

You bring sound judgement, strong employment relations or legal knowledge, clear communication skills and a practical approach to resolving issues early and effectively.

You'll combine that with:

• Experience in workplace relations, employment relations, industrial relations or a similar legal, or advisory role
• Confidence working with unions, employee representatives or negotiation stakeholders
• Strong understanding of employment agreements, obligations, ER principles and procedural fairness
• The ability to coach and support leaders in union‑involved situations
• Excellent relationship‑building, drafting, negotiation and influencing skills
• A pragmatic, calm and solutions‑focused approach

He Aha Te Pai - What you'll love about us! 

We're passionate about our commitment to deliver the best for Aotearoa - to help businesses thrive, and to deliver what Kiwis care about.  Our permanent employees enjoy a variety of benefits including:

• Free onsite secure parking at our Auckland sites
• Access to discounted health insurance plans for you and your family
• Special rates on fantastic holiday home accommodation around New Zealand
• Retail shopping discounts with our partners
• An Employee Assistance programme to support you when you need it
• Plus more!!

Hiahia? - Interested? Come and join the whanau!

There's a story in every parcel. And wrapped up in every parcel, is the people of NZ Post.  Our mahi is different, but we share the same goal – to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beautiful Aotearoa.  Whether you're a number-crunching data analyst, a parcel processing whizz, a marketing maven, or a sales superstar, we've got a spot for you in our dynamic team.

Start your journey with us by applying Apply today or find out more details about this opportunity by downloading the JD on the NZ Post Careers page.  If you require additional information, please contact Michele Christie (Talent Business Partner) on 022 087 5195

Applications for this position close on 28 May 2026

Due to the fast-paced nature of NZ Post, our vacancy close dates may be subject to change, so don't delay and make sure you apply as soon as possible.  

All successful applicants will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in New Zealand and will be subject to a security check and reference checks.  Some of our roles may also require a credit check and/or a drug test. 

If you're interested in a role, please apply directly through our online portal. No one knows what we do and how we do it better than us, and our in-house talent team are experts at finding the right people for the right roles.  We won't consider candidates through agencies unless this has been previously approved. 

There's something really special about being part of the team here at NZ Post - Tukurau Aotearoa, who we are and what we stand for is grounded in our values.

NZ Post proudly stands as a Gold Supporter of Pride Pledge – because building an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic self to work is core to who we are.