People Relations Manager

About the role 

We are seeking an experienced and relationship-focused People Relations Manager to join our People & Culture team. 

This role operates as a trusted advisor to people leaders, providing pragmatic, values-led guidance on people, performance, change, and culture. Working in a partnered model, you will build strong relationships across the organisation, coach leaders to confidently manage their teams, and support the effective delivery of People & Culture initiatives.  

You’ll play a key role in supporting complex employment relations matters, embedding organisational values into leadership practices, and contributing to culture and change initiatives. This is a strategic and hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys influencing outcomes, building capability in leaders, and navigating complexity. 

Our ideal applicant will have: 

• At least 5 years’ experience as a human resources business partner or employment relations specialist at an appropriate level. 
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and HR best practice  
• Proven ability to coach and influence leaders at all levels  
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly  
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations  
• Experience supporting change management and organisational initiatives  
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement  
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment and manage ambiguity 

We are looking for candidates who share our purpose of Kaitiaki of an exemplary legal professional in Aotearoa and understand how our values of Kaitiakitanga – tāria te wā, Manaakitanga and Pono underpin the work we do at New Zealand Law Society.  

What we can offer  

Become part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. We offer a cohesive workplace culture across our organisation with a number of social activities to come together across teams to connect and collaborate with colleagues. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.   

It is important that the Law Society can attract, support, and retain quality staff and one of the ways we can achieve this is by offering employees some flexibility to manage their work/life balance. We embrace flexible working to support our staff to deliver their best and achieve a good work-life balance and to connect and collaborate with others by providing a hybrid approach sharing your time between the office and home.  

Other benefits of working at the Law Society include:  

• Three days Special Leave to use during our annual close-down period between Christmas and the new year  
• Discounts and benefits as part of our membership Partner Programme  
• Competitive remuneration  

Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and the Law Society is keen to ensure that appointments reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s multicultural society. Applications from a diverse range of backgrounds are encouraged.  

About the Law Society 

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is the professional body for barristers and solicitors in New Zealand. The Law Society regulates all lawyers practising in New Zealand and is the membership organisation for practising lawyers. With branches throughout the motu, the Law Society is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the practice of law in Aotearoa New Zealand and the consumers of legal services. 

   How to apply 

If you would like to apply, please submit a PDF copy of your CV and cover letter through Seek. 

Applications close 5pm, Friday 29 May 2026 

Shortlisting may occur whilst the advertisement is open, so we encourage you to make an early application. 

For a confidential discussion and additional information, including the position description, please contact the People and Culture team at human.resources@lawsociety.org.nz 

Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.