Senior Advisor - People & Culture | Kaitohutohu Matua – Ngā Tāngata me te Ahurea (Fixed Term)

• Fixed-term opportunity through to 20 August 2027
• Partner with leaders to deliver trusted people advice and solutions
• Flexible working environment with opportunities to grow and develop

The role | Te tūnga

This fixed-term role sits within our People Partnering & Advice team and plays a key role in supporting leaders across Stats NZ to achieve their people and business objectives.

As a Senior Advisor, you'll partner with People Leaders to provide trusted advice across a broad range of people matters, with a particular focus on employment relations, performance management, organisational change, and people-related risk. You'll work on complex and sensitive issues, helping leaders make informed decisions while building their confidence and capability.

You'll join a collaborative and high-performing team, contributing both to your portfolio and to organisation-wide People & Culture initiatives that support our strategic priorities.

We're looking for someone with substantial HR advisory experience who can confidently navigate complexity, influence stakeholders, and provide practical, risk-based advice.

Location preference is Wellington however we are also open to applications from Christchurch or Auckland based candidates.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

We're seeking an experienced HR practitioner who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, confidently navigate complex and sensitive situations, and build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation. We're looking for someone who brings:

• Experience providing senior HR advice in a complex environment
• Strong expertise in employment relations, performance management and organisational change
• Proven knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and its practical application
• Experience managing organisational and people-related risk
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and sound professional judgement
• Experience coaching and supporting leaders through complex people matters
• A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• The ability to provide credible, risk-based advice that enables effective decision making
• Strong judgement, discretion and resilience when managing complex people matters
• Experience working in partnership with leaders to build capability and achieve sustainable outcomes
• Cultural capability, or a willingness to continue building confidence and capability in this area

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through a variety of pathways and welcome transferable skills from both paid and unpaid experiences. We encourage you to bring your full, unique self to your application and tell us what you would bring to Stats NZ.

About Us | Ko mātou

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it's our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it.

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities and businesses, and play an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy and the environment.

We're proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high-quality data with equitable access for all.

Before applying, we encourage you to watch our Life at Stats NZ video. It offers a glimpse into who we are, what we value, and the diverse perspectives and experiences that make Stats NZ a great place to work.

What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pēwhea ā tātou tikanga mahi | The way we work. 

Some key benefits include:

• 37.5 hour work week
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care)
• 3 extra leave days (taken during end-of-year office closure)
• Flu vaccines, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and corporate rates for a variety of services and products
• Opportunities for career development and progression

Salary band for this position: $97,270 - $131,601 + KiwiSaver

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Sound like you? Click Apply now to be redirected to the application page on our careers If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirect to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page. 

Our process is to screen applications as we receive them, so we move to interview stage quickly.  You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. The role may be filled before the advertised closing date therefore early applications are encouraged.

Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process. 

Please reach out to recruitment@stats.govt.nz if you have any questions.  

You must have a valid work permit or visa to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.