Team Leader – Partnering & Advisory
Wellington | Permanent
Competitive Salary
Shape a P&C advisory team supporting an organisation that safeguards Aotearoa’s environment

Beyond Recruitment is proud to partner with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the appointment of a Team Leader – Partnering & Advisory in the People & Capability function. This is a pivotal leadership role within a values driven organisation committed to safeguarding Aotearoa’s unique environment for current and future generations.

About the EPA

The EPA’s vision is clear and compelling: an environment protected, enhancing our way of life and economy. Their kaupapa is grounded in the knowledge that today’s decisions can have a lasting impact for generations to come. 

The opportunity

As the Team Leader – Partnering & Advisory, you will lead a team responsible for delivering high quality People advice and partnering across recruitment, employment relations, remuneration, job evaluation, payroll administration, HR policy, and organisational change support.

This role is a key member of the People & Capability Leadership Team and plays a critical part in lifting organisational performance through clear, fit for purpose, people centred processes.

You’ll ensure the delivery of consistent, effective P&C advice and support, while also contributing as a subject matter expert - particularly across employment relations, collective bargaining, and people policy. A key aspect of this role is acting as a connector between P&C’s Centres of Expertise.

Key responsibilities

•    Lead, coach, and develop a high impact Partnering & Advisory team (5 people).
•    Oversee the delivery of core P&C services including recruitment, ER, policy, remuneration, job evaluation, and people administration.
•    Provide expert ER and IR advice, including managing the union relationship and collective bargaining.
•    Support and guide organisational change initiatives, ensuring leadership and kaimahi experience is central.
•    Enable integrated planning and delivery across OD, People Systems & Payroll, and Health, Safety & Wellbeing.
•    Drive continuous improvement across P&C practices and processes.
•    Foster meaningful relationships across the organisation, modelling the EPA’s values and commitment to Te Tiriti.

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced HR leader with a strong background in operational people functions and complex ER/IR. You’ll bring:

•    Proven team leadership experience, with strengths in capability development and coaching.
•    Deep knowledge of NZ employment law and best practice HR operations.
•    Experience in collective bargaining and managing complex ER matters.
•    Ability to lead organisational change with confidence and clarity.
•    A collaborative, relationship focused style, with excellent influencing and communication skills.
•    Strong planning, workflow management, and process improvement capability.
•    Understanding of Te Ao Māori and its application in people practice.
•    Experience in development of people policy and guidance.

Why join the EPA?

•    Work for an organisation with purpose and impact.
•    Join a genuinely values based and people centred culture.
•    Lead a committed and capable team with the mandate to lift practice and shape the future of P&C.
•    Contribute to an organisation that is deeply invested in partnership, sustainability, and long term outcomes.

How to apply

If you are an experienced HR leader ready to make a meaningful contribution, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential kōrero about this important role and a copy of the position description, please contact Kirsty Clarke, Manager – HR & Executive Search at Beyond Recruitment.

Apply now or reach out directly to kirsty.clarke@beyond.co.nz