Legal Counsel - Employment Relations

He aha te tranga About the role: 

As an inhouse Legal Counsel Employee Relations you will provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on employment law industrial relations and workplace matters. Youll work closely with senior leaders HR teams and unions to navigate employment challenges help manage legal risk and support a highperforming engaged workforce.

Accountabilities include:

• You will be a bridge between the ER and HR Advisory teams to enable timely escalation and appropriate management of legal risks to Hato Hone St John arising from employee and industrial relations matters.
• You will represent the organisation in employment disputes mediations and Employment Relations Authority (where required).
• You will help manage legal risks related to employment related processes personal grievances and workplace investigations.
• Assist with maintaining constructive union engagement through collaborative working relationships with organisers and delegates. Assist with coordinating collective bargaining negotiation and settlement implementation processes.
• Contribute to keeping up to date employment related policies guides and documentation up in line with legal and best practice developments.
• You will provide support to the wider HR Business Partner team to coach and promote people leader understanding and consistency in the application of employment policies and procedures.

This role reports into the Head of Employee Relations and can be based from Auckland or Christchurch.

Qualifications :

Ko wai koe About you:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• 24 years postqualification experience (PQE) as an employment lawyer with a current New Zealand practicing certificate or the ability to obtain one and/or working in an employment/industrial relations role in a highly unionised complex organisation. Experience within an organisation employing regulated professionals would be an advantage.
• An indepth understanding of employmentrelated legislation and its application in an operational environment. A good understanding of health and disability related legislation is desirable.
• The ability to provide advice that strikes a balance between minimising legal and reputational risk with an understanding of whats the right thing to do. Strong dispute resolution experience is a must.
• Calm under pressure able to navigate complex employment relations issues with professionalism and composure.
• Highly adaptable collaborative and relationshipfocused.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application for Hato Hone St John in the community and healthcare environments.

Additional Information :

Me phea te tuku tono How to apply

To submit an application click on Im Interested before applications close on Sunday 30th March 2025

For further information please reach out to or

At Hato Hone St John we embrace diversity welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities and were committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E phiritia nei e mtou te whnau o Hato Hone St John ng rereketanga o ia tngata ki te haramai. E whinatia e mtou i ng whakaaro rereke kia mahi pai i roto i ng hpori katoa. Ko ta mtou nei haepapa kia hangaia ttahi huru mwai m ttou kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesnt match the job description perfectly. If youre excited and think you have what it takes we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesnt align 100. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a krero.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime