Senior Legal Counsel Employment Relations

at  Westpac New Zealand

Mō te tūranga | About the Role
A rare opportunity has arisen for you to join Westpac’s close knit Employee Relations (ER) team in a Senior Legal Counsel ER role on a fixed term basis covering parental leave. In this role you will deliver high quality legal support and advice across the bank.
The role reports into the Head of HR Operations and you will be part of a small team responsible for delivering a variety of ER tasking ranging from working closely with senior leaders on sensitive cases, taking part in union bargaining and working across a raft of interesting business transformation work across the bank in this area. The ER and wider HR team continue to maintain a fabulous culture and are collaborative and inclusive.
Key in this role will be keeping abreast of the ever-changing legislative landscape and ensuring ER risk is appropriately analysed and managed for the bank. You’ll also at times work closely with our external Legal partners on a variety of matters when required.
Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?
You may currently work in a legal practice, but your in-house experience in large corporates will stand you in good stead to work across a complex business and as you’ll be working with our senior leaders at times, you’ll have the confidence and depth of knowledge to support them and the bank in the most appropriate way.

Along with the above, we’d expect you to have:

• Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) and NZ Practicing Certificate
• Qualified solicitor with 7 - 10 years’ post qualification experience in corporate and Employment law
• Experience with a large complex organisation is essential (financial services preferred)
• Industrial Relations experience including collective bargaining
• Solid grounding in risk and compliance in the ER space
• Ability to self-manage and prioritise competing demands
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Extremely high level of attention to detail

Westpac Hei Wāhi Mahi | Working at Westpac

Immersing yourself in a supportive team environment, and receive some of the best banking, and lifestyle benefits in the market along with:

• 4 weeks standard holiday + 5 additional days of wellbeing leave to support you to be your best
• Additional purchased leave options up to 4 weeks per year
• Access to personal Banking Advisors, Banking benefits and Insurance discounts
• Career growth – we promote internal capability; we have programmes that recognise star performers
• Generous parental leave – and top up government paid parental leave
• School holiday subsidy - help you balance work and family during school holiday
• 2 paid Volunteer days per year

Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation
At Westpac, we’re working together to build a fairer and stronger New Zealand for our people, customers, and communities. For over 160 years we’ve been driven by our purpose to Create Better Futures Together.
What makes us unique are the incredible people we’re lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. The giant ‘W’ on our building doesn’t just stand for Westpac – it says, double you. We’re a place that values, rewards and recognises individuality. Where you can be your whole self, your true self, and your best self. We’re recognised as a place where talent is developed, where passions are fuelled and where ambitions of all shapes and sizes thrive. And it all starts with you!
Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!
Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.
The people of Aotearoa, New Zealand hail from many cultures and backgrounds. At Westpac New Zealand, we draw on this enormous talent pool to cultivate a team rich in ability and empowered to reach its full potential. Our aim is to be brave challengers, celebrating our differences and relentlessly advocating for our customers. It starts with us – we believe that when we care deeply and do our best for our people, they’ll do their best for our customers. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities.
Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater
Applications close:
2 November 202

Please refer the Job description for details