Principal HR Business Partner    

Permanent Full Time (1.0 FTE- 37.5 hours week)   

National Office - Wellington   

About the role – Kōrero mō te tūranga

We are looking for an experienced Principal HR Business Partner to join our good people in the People and Capability Directorate to provide proactive professional guidance and assistance to support the wider organisation.

Reporting to the Director, People and Capability, the Principal HR Business Partner role offers a unique opportunity to utilise your extensive ER and HR experience in a dynamic, complex environment. With a strong focus on employment relations, change management, remuneration modelling, and organisational development projects, this position is perfect for a seasoned senior HR practitioner looking to make a tangible impact in a supportive and collaborative team.     

In this role you will: 

• Have provision of robust technical human resources and employment relations advice to the organisation, partnering with, People Leaders and People and Capability Directorate colleagues as appropriate.  

• Contribute to a high-performance People and Capability Directorate, providing guidance and development to the Senior HR Partner and Business HR Partner.    

• Provide coaching and support on people related systems, policies, process and management practices to People leaders in conjunction with the Senior HR Partner and Business HR Partner.   

• Ensure compliance with New Zealand Red Cross people policies and procedures, and legal requirements by helping management understand their human resources risks and how to effectively manage them.    

• Support the Director, People and Capability as lead for management of ER and HR related polices, resource templates and tools to support consistent best practice across the business, and alignment with membership and volunteering practices.  

•  Assist with the development and implementation of projects work to support the Director, People and Capability.   

Who are we looking for? – Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? 

To be successful you will have: 

• Ten years plus experience working in a generalist senior human resource role, providing multiple human resource disciplines to all levels of the organisation.  

• Extensive experience and knowledge of diversity and inclusion and Kaupapa Māori practices in a human resources context.    

• Strong understanding of employee relations and evidenced experience of managing complex ER matter through to investigation and mediation.  

• Experience with a variety of human resources applications, systems and practices including remuneration review systems, and performance appraisal systems.    

• An adaptive approach, with an emphasis on coaching for success.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication, influencing and problem-solving skills.  

• Resilience and adaptivity to plan and position workload demand to manage and mitigate risk 

• The appointee may be required to undertake travel for this role.    

NZRC offers a total remuneration approach of circa $123,000 for this role, which comprises of base salary as well as employer contribution to KiwiSaver.   While remuneration rates are set to reflect that we are a humanitarian not for profit organisation, we believe our employee annual leave provision of 5 weeks and wellbeing leave of 12 days, provide a highly rewarding work experience. 

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 10,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.   

Why work with us? 

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.  

Our benefits include: 

• Five weeks annual leave
• Career development opportunities 
• Annual flu vaccinations 
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance  

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Click below to download the job description and to apply for this position please click the 'Apply Now' button to be taken to the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page. If you are already viewing this via the New Zealand Red Cross Careers page, please click the active job description link below.  

Please submit your application online, as we’re unable to accept direct applications. Your application must include the following documentation:

• A recent copy of CV/Resume 

• Cover Letter 

• Passport 

• Legal Right to Work In New Zealand  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job. Applications close at 05:00 pm on 03/02/2026.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for further information, please contact Bernadine Lynch at bernadine.lynch@redcross.org.nz   

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early. 

Click here for the Job Description