Employment Relations Consultant - Wellington
Wellington, NZ
Permanent, full-time opportunity available
- Are you an Employment Relations expert looking to join an Employment Relations focused team?
- Based in Wellington
We’re keen to hear from professionals with strong employment relations / legal / HR backgrounds who are interested in working at our large and diverse Ministry
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Reporting to the Manager, ER Consultancy, you will provide our leadership team and managers with subject matter expertise, supporting them to resolve complex / high risk employment relationship problems at all levels. The ER Consultancy team’s work ranges from coaching leaders to assisting and advising on all ER matters as they arise, through to resolving disputes and legal challenges.
We have a strong focus on people’s wellbeing and work life balance. Our talented team consists of dedicated individuals located around the country who are supportive and encouraging of one another and come together regularly. Although your role is relatively autonomous, you will have a support network in the wider team who understand the business and can provide you with their professional support and guidance.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
Skills and experience:
As an ideal candidate you will have a proven career history that highlights:
- A successful track record of applying employment policy and legislation, preferably with an understanding of the public service environment
- An expert knowledge of employment legislation and processes
- Experience working constructively with stakeholders including lawyers, unions and the Mediation Service
- A systemic thinker, able to identify cause and effect
- A self-starter who is effective working independently as well as part of a team
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 12th August 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
