Team Leader Partnering and Advisory

Beyond Recruitment is proud to partner with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the appointment of a Team Leader – Partnering & Advisory in the People & Capability function. This is a pivotal leadership role within a values driven organisation committed to safeguarding Aotearoa’s unique environment for current and future generations.

About the EPA

The EPA’s vision is clear and compelling: an environment protected, enhancing our way of life and economy. Their kaupapa is grounded in the knowledge that today’s decisions can have a lasting impact for generations to come. 

The opportunity

As the Team Leader – Partnering & Advisory, you will lead a team responsible for delivering high quality People advice and partnering across recruitment, employment relations, remuneration, job evaluation, payroll administration, HR policy, and organisational change support.

This role is a key member of the People & Capability Leadership Team and plays a critical part in lifting organisational performance through clear, fit for purpose, people centred processes.

You’ll ensure the delivery of consistent, effective P&C advice and support, while also contributing as a subject matter expert - particularly across employment relations, collective bargaining, and people policy. A key aspect of this role is acting as a connector between P&C’s Centres of Expertise.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high impact Partnering & Advisory team (5 people).
• Oversee the delivery of core P&C services including recruitment, ER, policy, remuneration, job evaluation, and people administration.
• Provide expert ER and IR advice, including managing the union relationship and collective bargaining.
• Support and guide organisational change initiatives, ensuring leadership and kaimahi experience is central.
• Enable integrated planning and delivery across OD, People Systems & Payroll, and Health, Safety & Wellbeing.
• Drive continuous improvement across P&C practices and processes.
• Foster meaningful relationships across the organisation, modelling the EPA’s values and commitment to Te Tiriti.

What you’ll bring

• You will be an experienced HR leader with a strong background in operational people functions and complex ER/IR. You’ll bring:
• Proven team leadership experience, with strengths in capability development and coaching.
• Deep knowledge of NZ employment law and best practice HR operations.
• Experience in collective bargaining and managing complex ER matters.
• Ability to lead organisational change with confidence and clarity.
• A collaborative, relationship focused style, with excellent influencing and communication skills.
• Strong planning, workflow management, and process improvement capability.
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and its application in people practice.
• Experience in development of people policy and guidance.

Why join the EPA?

• Work for an organisation with purpose and impact.
• Join a genuinely values based and people centred culture.
• Lead a committed and capable team with the mandate to lift practice and shape the future of P&C.
• Contribute to an organisation that is deeply invested in partnership, sustainability, and long-term outcomes.

How to apply

As we are partnering with Beyond Recruitment, do not use the Apply Now link below. 

Apply by using the direct link to Beyond Recruitment or reach out directly to kirsty.clarke@beyond.co.nz

For a confidential kōrero about this important role and a copy of the position description, please contact Kirsty Clarke, Manager – HR & Executive Search at Beyond Recruitment.

If you are an experienced HR leader ready to make a meaningful contribution, we would love to hear from you.