People & Culture Services Team Leader

About the role

We are looking for a People & Culture Services Team Leader to head a small team of three HR professionals across our Mt Albert and Otara campuses. Reporting to the People & Culture Manager, you will combine hands‑on service delivery with leadership to ensure high‑quality, compliant HR administration for a large, unionised tertiary institution.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of three P&C Services staff split between two campuses.
• Oversee accurate and timely HR and People & Culture administration, including payroll, salary progression rounds and workforce coverage.
• Provide first‑line advice on policies, the Employment Relations Act and Holidays Act.
• Collaborate with the People & Culture Manager and wider PCW teams on reporting and HR projects.
• Identify and implement process‑improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and service quality.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with internal stakeholders.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a People & Culture or senior HR administrative role within a large, complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise staff.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation (Employment Relations Act, Holidays Act) is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence handling sensitive information.
• Relevant HR qualification and experience in a centralised HR admin or tertiary education environment is a plus.

Required skills

• Proficiency with HR information systems.
• Advanced MS Office skills.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a skilled People & Culture Services team.
• Impactful role shaping the employee experience in a major educational institution.
• Collaborative, culturally grounded work environment.