People and Culture Business Partner

About the role

Oceania is seeking an experienced People and Culture Business Partner to join its Auckland Support Office on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. The role partners with leaders to translate business needs into practical people solutions, build leadership capability, and provide expert guidance across the employee lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to deliver strategic and operational HR advice throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Coach managers on people initiatives, leadership development, employee engagement, retention and performance.
• Provide expert employment relations guidance, including investigations, disciplinary processes, conflict resolution and complex workplace matters.
• Support the creation of psychologically safe, inclusive and high‑performing teams.
• Contribute to talent and succession planning discussions and processes.
• Assist organisational change initiatives with a people‑centred approach.
• Collaborate with the wider People & Culture team to design and implement people programmes that address business challenges.
• Use workforce data, insights and feedback to identify trends and inform recommendations.
• Champion Oceania’s values, culture and employment brand across the organisation.
• Promote a strong health, safety and wellbeing culture.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a generalist HR, People & Culture or Business Partnering role.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and experience handling complex employment relations matters.
• Experience working in a unionised environment.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent coaching, communication and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Sound judgement balancing people, compliance and commercial considerations.
• Experience supporting organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret workforce data and provide practical recommendations.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Full clean driver’s licence.

Required skills