The Organisation
  
Starting out as a single car park in Australia in 1962, Wilson Parking and FIRST Security have become household names in the world of parking and security services in New Zealand, and forming part of the broader Wilson Group across Australia and Asia. They are now looking to hire an experienced, pragmatic Employment Lawyer to support the two businesses and deliver best practice employee relations advice and strategic legal guidance for the businesses. The group employs over 10,000 staff across NZ and Australia with a culture underpinned by their values of Care, Integrity, Accountability and Innovation.
  
The Role
  
As the lead Employment Relations Counsel in NZ, you would manage the end-to-end ER projects and matters within the NZ group and report to the Group Workplace Relations Counsel (based in Australia). Day-to-day you would work with key internal and external stakeholders as you develop and implement employee and industrial relations strategies in line with the strategic direction of the group, employee relations function and broader Wilson Group HR team. This position plays a key role in providing critical support to the two NZ businesses in end-to-end ER/IR advice, case management and project delivery and also provides support to the senior management team, human resources, payroll and health & safety functions. This role reports to the Group Workplace Relations Counsel (based in Australia) and sits independently of the two NZ business units. 
  
Duties & Accountabilities include:

• Manage cases at mediation and before the Employment Relations Authority;
• Deliver accurate, pragmatic and timely workplace relations advice in relation to matters of compliance, strategy and risk including in relation to bargaining and disputation strategy;
• Provide expert legal counsel on employment law matters including hiring, performance management, disciplinary processes and terminations;
• Draft, review and update employment contracts, policies, procedures to align with NZ requirements;
• Support change management initiatives, including restructures, redundancies and workplace planning;
• Provide training and guidance to HR and management on employment law developments and best practices;
• Monitor changes or developments in relevant legislation, regulations and standards to provide advice to the two NZ business units and the Group regarding the same; 
• Manage engagement of external legal advisors when necessary;
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements, proactively identifying potential risks. 

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• 5+ years’ PQE in employment law and/or employment relations work, with a LLB;
• Experience in both advisory and contentious employment law matters including complex workplace investigations, PG claims, restructuring matters, performance management and provide advice on employment agreements as well as relevant company policies;
• An ability to work collaboratively with multiple business units within a fast-paced environment;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships well across the business; and
• A solution-focused and proactive approach to their work.

Perhaps you're currently an ER Specialist looking for an opportunity to take a lead role in an organisation where you can make a valued contribution to shaping workplace practices? Or you may be an Employment Lawyer looking to take your skills into an in-house environment where you can see how your advice is implemented across the business? Either way, get in touch to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
  
For further information, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV to anand@colegal.co.nz or to us by clicking APPLY now. All enquiries will be handled with the strictest of confidence.
  
This position is being managed exclusively by CoLegal and all direct or third-party applications will be forward to CoLegal for screening.