Senior Employee Relations Specialist

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.   

Summerset Cambridge is preparing to open the doors to its brand-new café – an exciting new chapter for our vibrant village community. With its stunning location and thoughtfully designed space, this café will be a standout feature – and we’re searching for a skilled and creative Chef to bring bold flavours and fresh ideas to life. 

We’re looking for a Senior Employment Relations Specialist 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 support the development and delivery of Summerset’s employment and industrial relations strategies. You’ll bring your proven expertise to guide complex ER matters, support policy development, manage risk, and ensure compliance with current legislation.

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 business partners and managers on all ER/IR topics
• Assisting 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 strategic thinking and practical experience. 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:

• Deep experience managing complex ER cases and providing strategic advice
• A thorough understanding of NZ employment law and current ER trends
• Experience working with or supporting union relationships and collective bargaining
• 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.