People and Culture Business Partner at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 May, 26

Salary

143000.0

Posted On

10 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Human Resources, Change Management, Employment Relations, Performance Management, Workforce Planning, Leadership Capability, HR Systems, Coaching, Organisational Systems, Analytical Skills, Crown Obligations, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, Tikanga Māori, Collaboration Skills, Strategic Change

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Do you have a resilient mindset and a passion for navigating change? Partner with senior leaders to shape people strategies & influence the future of our workforce. Permanent role, location flexible. Salary range $109,160 - $143,000. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Mō te tūranga | About the role We are looking for a strategic and experienced People and Culture Business Partner to deliver expert guidance and support to senior leaders across the Department. This role is crucial in helping to drive our people and culture strategy, ensuring we create an environment where our people are supported, empowered, and positioned to thrive. In this role, you will work closely with Deputy Director Generals, Tier 3 People Leaders, and Chief Advisors, offering tailored and practical advice across key areas including human resources, employment relations, change management, remuneration, and performance management. You will also play a vital role in shaping workforce planning and providing strategic insights that inform initiatives across the Department. Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience To thrive in this role, you will bring a strong foundation in HR, excellent collaboration skills, and the ability to influence and lead strategic change during a period of significant organisational transformation. We are looking for someone who has operated at a Business Partner level and knows how to align people strategies with organisational goals. You are naturally curious, resourceful, embraces challenges and sees opportunity in ambiguity and ready to find solutions. Specifically, you will have: A tertiary qualification in Human Resources or a related discipline, or equivalent experience demonstrating deep HR knowledge. Proven experience aligning HR initiatives with business strategy, and a strong understanding of organisational systems, processes, and people management. Skill in analysing complex issues and developing pragmatic, fit-for-purpose solutions. Ability to uplift leadership capability through sound advice and coaching. Experience designing and improving HR systems, policies, and processes to meet evolving needs. A sound understanding of the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the ability to work effectively in a Māori-Crown context, including awareness of te ao Māori, te reo, and tikanga Māori. Confidence in integrating diverse perspectives and data to support sound, unbiased decision-making. He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here. We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader. Tono ināianei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know. The salary range for this position is $109,160 - $143,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. We are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Please note that we may close the advertisement early, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

The People and Culture Business Partner will provide expert guidance and support to senior leaders, driving the people and culture strategy. This role involves offering tailored advice in key HR areas and shaping workforce planning initiatives.