Principal Advisor/ HRBP

• Principal Advisor / HR Business Partner (Contract)
• Wellington
• 3-month contract (hourly rate) | Immediate start

We are seeking an experienced Principal HR Advisor / HR Business Partner to step into a short-term contract role, providing senior-level people advisory and business partnering support within a complex public sector organisational environment.

If you are AVAILABLE NOW we would love to hear from you - please apply using the APPLY NOW link. 
 

The opportunity

This is a 3-month contract to provide cover during a period of absence within a senior HR advisory function. You will join an established People & Culture team and play a key role supporting senior leaders, while providing guidance and oversight to a capable advisory team.

This role partners with General Managers and executive stakeholders across a broad portfolio (including corporate and operational functions).

Key responsibilities

• Act as a senior HR business partner to General Managers and executive-level leaders
• Provide strategic and pragmatic advice across a range of people matters
• Support and guide a team of HR Advisors, acting as an escalation point for more complex issues and non-BAU work
• Enable the advisory team to take ownership of day-to-day advisory activity, while maintaining oversight and quality
• Lead and support employment relations cases as required, including investigations, performance processes and mediation
• Contribute to a commercially focused, fit-for-purpose HR approach that avoids unnecessary process and drives timely outcomes
• Encourage and support proactive, face-to-face engagement with stakeholders across the business

About you

You will be a seasoned HR practitioner who can quickly build credibility and operate at a senior level. You’ll bring:

• Demonstrated experience in a Principal Advisor or Senior HR Business Partner role
• Strong employment relations capability, including managing complex cases end-to-end
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with sound commercial judgement
• The ability to work autonomously, prioritise effectively, and step into an established team with minimal direction
• Clear, direct communication style and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to support and enable others while providing strong leadership when needed

What’s on offer

• Immediate start, 3-month contract
• Competitive hourly rate
• Wellington-based role with some flexibility (approximately one day per week working from home)
• Opportunity to contribute meaningfully within a well-functioning, supportive team environment