Legal Counsel - Employee Relations

Ko wai mātou- About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, our 11,000-strong team of kaimahi and volunteers work across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through our mahi in health education, access, and monitoring, we are making life-changing differences every day.

He aha te tūranga - About the role:

As an in-house Legal Counsel - Employee Relations, you will provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on employment law, industrial relations and workplace matters. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, HR teams, and unions to navigate employment challenges, help manage legal risk, and support a high-performing, engaged workforce. Your expertise is vital in supporting a national emergency service that plays a critical role in New Zealand's healthcare system.

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 upskill HR teams on best practice employment processes, effective dispute resolution and robust 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 implementation of employment related legislation changes, keeping up to date employment related policies, guides and documentation 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.

Ko wai koe - About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience (PQE) as an employment lawyer with a current New Zealand practicing certificate or the ability to obtain one. In-house legal advisor / counsel experience within a large unionised organisation and/or organisation employing regulated professionals would be an advantage.
• An in-depth understanding of employment-related legislation, including recent legislative changes, 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 what's the "right" thing to do. Substantial dispute resolution experience is a must.
• Calm under pressure - able to navigate complex employment relations issues with professionalism and composure.
• Highly adaptable, collaborative and relationship-focused, able to tailor approach to providing advice to various levels of the organisation.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application for Hato Hone St John in the community and health-care environments.

This role reports into the Head of Employee Relations and can be based from Auckland or Christchurch. You'll enjoy a hybrid working environment (two office days per week, the rest from home), good work-life balance and the opportunity to further your in-house career with the support of an experienced, collaborative team.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested ” before applications close on Wednesday 23rd September

For further information please contact Lindsey Frankland on 027 309 8372 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

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 we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa. Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, 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 under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.