Head of People

4 days ago

Mount Wellington, New Zealand Cultivate – SEEK Medium Agency of the Year 2023 & 2024 Full time

About the Organisation

This purpose-led organisation supports whānau and community groups through inclusive, culturally grounded kaupapa Māori values. Underpinned by genuine diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, it lives its values through everyday practice and people-first leadership.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a grounded, strategic and hands-on leader to join the senior leadership team and guide people practices across the organisation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leaders, you'll help embed people strategies that build long-term cultural, organisational and leadership capability.

You'll shift comfortably between strategic thinking and operational delivery - equally confident in the boardroom or supporting kaimahi on the ground. Calm, mature and low-ego, you'll bring cultural fluency and a deep commitment to making HR work for people.

If you're looking for a values-led environment where HR is a lever for equity, belonging and meaningful change, this is it.

Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas

  • Leading the full HR lifecycle: ER, H&S, L&D, employment law, policy and systems
  • Overseeing payroll, compliance and remuneration frameworks with a strong equity lens
  • Embedding bicultural values in recruitment, development and leadership
  • Coaching and building leadership capability and supporting a resilient, people-centred workforce
  • Ensuring compliance, wellbeing and performance practices are robust and people-first

What We Are Looking For

  • Proven leader with HR generalist experience with oversight of payroll, ideally in health, education, not-for-profit or social services
  • Commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural understanding in practice
  • Calm, grounded leadership with maturity and emotional intelligence
  • Ability to flex between strategic thinking and operational action
  • A low ego, sleeves rolled up approach – you do what's needed and bring others with you

Why Consider This Role?

  • Purpose-led mahi that makes a difference
  • Inclusive, values-driven culture where your work matters
  • Hybrid working and flexible arrangements

We believe diversity is vital to a healthy, high-performing workplace. That's why we're committed to delivering a psychologically safe recruitment experience. One that uncovers and celebrates your strengths. If traditional hiring processes don't bring out your best let us know. We want you to shine, not shy away.

Next Steps

Apply now - you'll need to hold New Zealand citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa.

If this role isn't a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply or register your details on our website. If this isn't quite the right fit, another role might be.

This ad may have been written with help from AI, but your application will be reviewed by a real human, Sarah:

Sarah Hernon, Sourcr HR Recruiter of the Year New Zealand 2025, enjoys helping candidates to build their career whilst mutually assisting hiring managers to build capability in their teams. 

SCR-sarah-hernon

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