Legal Counsel - Employment Relations

Company Description

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer lives.

Job Description

He aha te tūranga - About the role: 

As an in-house Legal Counsel – Employee Relations, you will provide expert legal advice and strategic guidance on employment law, industrial relations and workplace matters. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, HR teams, and unions to navigate employment challenges, help manage legal risk, and support a high-performing, engaged workforce.

Accountabilities include:

• You will be a bridge between the ER and HR Advisory teams to enable timely escalation and appropriate management of legal risks to Hato Hone St John arising from employee and industrial relations matters.
• You will represent the organisation in employment disputes, mediations, and Employment Relations Authority (where required).
• You will help manage legal risks related to employment related processes, personal grievances, and workplace investigations.
• Assist with maintaining constructive union engagement through collaborative working relationships with organisers and delegates. Assist with coordinating collective bargaining negotiation and settlement implementation processes.
• Contribute to keeping up to date employment related policies, guides and documentation up in line with legal and best practice developments.
• You will provide support to the wider HR Business Partner team to coach and promote people leader understanding and consistency in the application of employment policies and procedures.

This role reports into the Head of Employee Relations and can be based from Auckland or Christchurch.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe - About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience (PQE) as an employment lawyer with a current New Zealand practicing certificate or the ability to obtain one and/or working in an employment/industrial relations role in a highly unionised complex organisation. Experience within an organisation employing regulated professionals would be an advantage.
• An in-depth understanding of employment-related legislation and its application in an operational environment. A good understanding of health and disability – related legislation is desirable.
• The ability to provide advice that strikes a balance between minimising legal and reputational risk with an understanding of what's the "right" thing to do. Strong dispute resolution experience is a must.
• Calm under pressure – able to navigate complex employment relations issues with professionalism and composure.
• Highly adaptable, collaborative and relationship-focused.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application for Hato Hone St John in the community and health-care environments.

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

To submit an application click on 'I'm Interested' before applications close on Sunday 30th March 2025

For further information, please reach out to [email protected] or 027 309 8372

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.