Executive Director of People & Wellbeing

About the role

The Executive Director of People & Wellbeing will lead the People and Wellbeing Directorate at Eastern Institute of Technology, shaping a future‑focused people strategy for a workforce of more than 700. Based in Napier, the role champions wellbeing, safety, culture and organisational capability to enable staff, learners and communities to flourish.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across people and culture, payroll, health and safety.
• Oversee employment relations, organisational development, remuneration, rewards and industrial relations.
• Drive HR advisory services, compliance, equity, diversity and continuous improvement.
• Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and inclusion throughout the institute.
• Build workforce capability that directly enhances teaching, learning and learner support.

Required profile

• Executive‑level HR leader with strategic thinking and authentic, values‑based leadership.
• Experience in complex commercial, community‑centred or tertiary education environments.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead large, diverse teams.

Required skills

• Strategic HR leadership and people‑wellbeing strategy development.
• Employment relations and industrial relations management.
• Organisational development and capability building.
• Remuneration, rewards and payroll oversight.
• Health and safety governance.
• Equity, diversity and inclusion implementation.