Company Description:
At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents.  
About the role
We are looking for an Employment & Industrial Relations Manager to join our People & Culture Team. This is a critical role in creating, implementing and managing Summerset’s employment & industrial relations strategies, policies & practices.   
The P&C team at Summerset is a large, dynamic team that thrives in a fast-paced corporate environment. Known for our collaborative spirit and fun culture, we work together to deliver exceptional outcomes while enjoying what we do.
This role can be based at our Auckland or Wellington Head Offices. 
Your day-to-day will include:  
- Create & review employment relations policies, procedures & templates in line with current legislation.
- Lead complex employee relations issues with commercial or reputational risk.
- Provide strategic advice to senior management on industrial relations matters.
- Lead negotiations for collective agreements.
- Provide guidance & coaching to business partnering teams on all ER/IR matters.
- Advise senior management on potential risks related to employment law & industrial relations and recommend strategies to mitigate risk.
- Develop & deliver training programs on employment relations, compliance, industrial relations & best practice for managers and P&C teams.
- Build & maintain effective relationships with unions.
- Maintain oversight of Summerset’s People & Culture Policy Framework, ensuring the timely review of all P&C policies.
About you: 
You’re an experienced ER/IR professional with strong knowledge of employment law and industrial relations. Skilled in negotiations, dispute resolution, and stakeholder engagement, you balance compliance with business needs to create fair, productive workplaces.
You’ll also bring: 
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Law, Commerce or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Proven track record in managing complex employment issues.
- Experience leading negotiations in a large, unionised organisation with strong commercial outcomes.
- Strong understanding of NZ employment law & regulations.
- Exposure and/or prior experience of Australian employment law and regulations desirable
- Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills – ability to work effectively with internal & external stakeholders.
- Proactive, strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities & business acumen.
- High level of emotional intelligence & resilience.
Why Summerset: 
At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the care we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life—including those with transferable skills from other industries. You may not tick all the requirements, and that’s okay; we value what you bring to the table and look at the whole individual. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive. 
Equal opportunity is at the heart of how we recruit, and we encourage you to bring your unique perspective and passion to our team. 
Summerset's known for its excellent benefits and strong sense of values around care, teamwork and drive for excellence. With some of the best benefits in the sector, some of these include: 
- Flexible working hours including two work from home days each week
- Free Southern Cross health insurance (covering up to 75% of charges for GPs, dentists, physios and more) 
- Professional development and career progression opportunities tailored to you 
- Birthday Leave  
Next Steps:  Applications for this role will close on the 19th of January 2026. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!