Senior Employee Relations Advisor

You can help bring our villages to life!   

At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village, to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents.   

We’re looking for a Senior Employment Relations Advisor to join our People & Culture team in Wellington or Auckland. This is a pivotal role where you’ll work closely with leaders to shape and support best practice ER and IR strategies, ensuring our values-led culture continues to thrive.

You’ll be part of a team that fuels potential, inspires collaboration, and drives continuous improvement – all while contributing to a positive, inclusive workplace where our people can grow and succeed.

In this key role, you’ll bring your proven expertise to guide complex ER matters, support policy development, manage risk, and ensure compliance with current legislation. the work is fast paced and varied and predominantly help support our Village Managers.

You’ll also play an important part in upskilling others, fostering engagement, and helping create a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace. With a broad scope that spans both New Zealand and Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to influence real outcomes and make a meaningful impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading or advising on complex ER matters, disputes, grievances, and change processes
• Coaching and supporting P&C Advisors and Stakeholders on all ER/IR topics
• Assisting the ER/IR Manager with collective agreement negotiations and maintaining positive union relationships
• Staying ahead of employment legislation changes and helping shape policy and practice

You’ll be someone who brings both practical experience and strategic thinking. You can navigate complexity with confidence and apply a calm, solutions-focused approach to sensitive situations. You’ll also be a trusted advisor to our leaders and a valued member of our collaborative People & Culture team.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience managing complex ER cases and providing strategic advice
• A thorough understanding of NZ employment law and current ER trends
• 3+ years' experience as a Senior Advisor across large ER case loads
• Strong communication, coaching and influencing skills
• A respectful, people-first mindset and high level of discretion and professionalism

When you’re part of the Summerset team, you belong to a place where your work has real impact, who you are is fully embraced and where your career flourishes. We know it takes a collective effort to bring a village to life and help it thrive, so Summerset is a place where everyone’s uniqueness and diversity can shine.   

Our benefits include: 

Summerset team, you belong to a place where your work has real impact, who you are is fully embraced, and where your career flourishes. We know it takes a collective effort to bring a village to life and help it thrive, so Summerset is a place where everyone’s uniqueness and diversity can shine.  

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements (2 days WFH)
• An award-winning wellbeing programme and onsite health services
• A day off on your birthday
• Access to leading learning and development opportunities

Ready to bring the best of life to your career? Apply now and help shape the future of employment relations at Summerset. Applications close on Thursday 11th September.