HR Adviser - Human Resources

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Ready to take the next step in your HR career?

Do you have a solid foundation in HR generalist practice and feel ready to take on something a little more challenging?

We're looking for an HR Adviser to join our supportive and collaborative HR Advisory team at the University of Auckland.

This is a great opportunity for someone who has gained broad HR experience and is now looking to develop their advisory skills in a larger, more complex organisation.

Working alongside experienced HR colleagues, you'll have the opportunity to support a variety of portfolios and stakeholders across the University, providing practical advice on a broad range of people matters. You'll gain exposure to interesting and sometimes complex situations, with opportunities to build your knowledge, confidence and capability as an HR professional.

We're not expecting you to know everything. What matters to us is that you bring a good HR foundation, sound judgement, curiosity and a genuine willingness to listen, learn and get involved.

Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical HR advice and guidance across a broad range of people matters.
• Assist managers with people matters, including performance, attendance, conduct and other workplace issues.
• Build positive and trust working relationships with leaders and stakeholders across the portfolio.
• Work alongside experienced HR colleagues and specialist teams to support fair and effective outcomes.
• Manage a varied workload, balance competing priorities and take ownership of assigned activities.
• Contribute ideas and improvements to HR practices, processes and the wider team.
• Support an inclusive and culturally responsive approach to people management, reflecting the University's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position.

Remuneration: $100,000–$110,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You might be an HR Generalist or HR Adviser in a smaller organisation, or someone who has gained broad HR experience and is ready to take the next step.

You'll bring a practical, people-focused approach, enjoy building relationships and be comfortable navigating different situations. Most importantly, you'll be open-minded, willing to learn and able to balance working independently with seeking advice when needed.

We're looking for someone with:

• Around three years or more of broad HR generalist experience, with exposure to a range of HR activities.
• A sound understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and HR practices.
• Some hands-on exposure to employee relations and organisational change processes, with an interest in developing further capability in these areas.
• The confidence to engage with managers and stakeholders, ask thoughtful questions and provide practical HR advice.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to approach situations with professionalism, empathy and discretion.
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and take ownership of assigned work.
• Sound judgement, a proactive and collaborative approach, and a genuine willingness to listen, learn and develop.

This is a hands-on HR Adviser role, best suited to someone with existing HR generalist or advisory experience rather than a purely coordination background. You'll be comfortable providing practical HR advice while also managing the day-to-day operational and administrative activities that come with the role.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices, including working from home and flexible hours.
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme.
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave.

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a range of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 29th November 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV, highlighting how you meet the skills and experience outlined above.

Please contact Sharon Kishore (Recruitment Consultant) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. We are happy to answer your questions, but applications cannot be accepted by email.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz