Employment Relations Manager - 6 month fixed term

Employment Relations Manager – 6 month fixed term role

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As our Employment Relations (ER) Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a fair, inclusive, and values-driven workplace. Partnering with leaders and our People & Culture team, you’ll provide trusted advice on complex ER matters, uplift leadership capability through coaching and training, and embed best-practice policies and processes that set us up for long-term success.

From resolving cases, and guiding change initiatives to advising on the external employment and legislative landscape, your expertise will help create a workplace where people feel supported, engaged, and empowered to thrive. You’ll ensure we remain compliant with legislation while taking a pragmatic, people-focused approach that aligns with our values and builds a positive culture. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact—supporting leaders, resolving challenges, and leaving behind a strong ER framework that will continue to add value well beyond your time in the role.

Join us in this six-month fixed-term role, created to cover a team member who is stepping into a valuable development opportunity—meaning you’ll get to make a real impact from day one.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven ER expertise: 5–7 years’ experience in employment relations, whether in-house, private practice, or a blend of both, with a strong track record of managing complex cases, mediations, ERA processes, and providing strategic advice.
• Legal and sector knowledge: A sound understanding of NZ employment law and natural justice principles, supported by a relevant tertiary qualification (HR, ER/IR, Law, or related field). Experience in the healthcare sector will be valued but not essential
• People-first leadership: A respectful, professional, and values-led approach, with the ability to coach and upskill managers, build confidence in handling ER matters, and foster a fair, inclusive culture.
• Exceptional communication skills: Skilled at navigating sensitive situations with empathy and integrity, with excellent written and verbal communication to influence and advise at all levels.
• Strategic and resilient mindset: Strong judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically while remaining pragmatic under pressure.

Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you: 

• Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: A comprehensive wellbeing programme and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
• Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements. 
• Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee networks.

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation 

At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:

• Care First – We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
• Better Together – Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
• Pursue Excellence – We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day—never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.

We’re proud to bring together over 4,000 skilled professionals—including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians—working alongside more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health experts. Together, we’re one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most trusted healthcare providers.

Driven by a strong ‘for purpose’ ethos, we think beyond financial quarters—planning for generations to come.

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and values the unique perspectives of our people. Our core value, Better Together, guides our goal to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation. 

Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora 

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare. 

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