Human Resources Jobs
About the Human Resources Industry in New Zealand
Recruitment Agencies we recommend
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Human Resources (HR) professionals make decisions regarding the management of people, talent and culture within an organization. This includes the recruitment and selection of staff, maintaining their physical safety and wellbeing, addressing employment relations, organisational development, using human resource management information systems (HRMIS), focusing on remuneration and rewards, and driving learning and development within the organization.
The number of people employed in the broader category ‘Human resource and training professionals’ in New Zealand grew between 2006 and 2013, and employment numbers are projected to continue to grow quite quickly until 2026.
Demand for Human Resource Professionals
There is strong competition for generalist and entry-level jobs. On the other hand, HR practitioners with experience and expertise in internal recruitment, change management, learning and development, culture and diversity management, remuneration and rewards, and employment relations are in high demand for both permanent and contract positions.
Any organisation that has employees will require human resource management. Some companies have entire departments dedicated to these roles, while some employ HR professionals and contractors to call upon as and when required. A person or people skilled in HR is integral to the smooth running of a business.
Skills Employers Look for:
Communication skills
Relationship building skills, including employee relations
Business management ability
Ability with Microsoft Excel
The salary range for an HR practitioner starts at around $49,000 for new graduates, and can go to about $150,000 for senior roles (such as HR general managers).
In 2017, the average income for HR professionals was estimated to be around $84,400.
Related Roles:
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Compensation and Benefits / Rewards Manager
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Counsellor
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Employee Relations Adviser/Manager
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Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager
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Human Resources Adviser
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Learning and Development Adviser/Manager
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Payroll Manager
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Personnel Officer
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Recruitment Consultant
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Workplace Relations Adviser
On the Skill Shortage List for Visa Applicants:
HR professionals are not on Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage lists.
Featured Jobs
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Branch Manager
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Are you a driven and customer-focused leader ready to take ownership of your next challenge? Ideal Electrical is looking for an experienced Branch Manager to lead the Invercargill branch.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on, people-focused environment. You'll be supported by a Regional Manager but will have the autonomy to make key decisions, grow the business, and lead a small, tight-knit team to success.
Key Responsibilities:
Overseeing day-to-day branch op
head of human resources.
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
We’re on the lookout for a sophisticated, commercially-focused Head of Human Resources to lead the people function for a premier international professional services firm. We need a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of a high-performance environment and lead significant change programs.
Role Type: Permanent, Full-time.
Location: Auckland Central.
Flexibility: Modern hybrid working policy (3 days office, 2 days home).
Travel: Primarily domestic travel with occasional international requirements.
The Role
You will be the cornerstone of our New Zealand HR operations, providing strategic and operational support to the senior leadership team. You will step into a senior position focused on driving business performance through bespoke people strategies while overseeing the local execution of a significant digital systems evolution.
Working within a broader regional framework, you will:
Partner with executive leadership to design and facilitate people strategies that drive performance and shape the future of the firm.
Act as the local lead for the next phase of a major global HRIS rollout, managing local testing and go-live phases scheduled for 2026.
Set and drive the HR agenda, leading programs that support organisational redesign and a high-performance culture.
Manage workplace relations and address complex grievances, ensuring decisions are appropriately assessed against risk and NZ legislation.
Partner with Finance teams to deliver meaningful performance data and commercially sound metrics to the Board.
Drive leadership development through coaching and influence, while embedding a culture of safety and high engagement.
...
Date:
19/01/2026
We’re on the lookout for a sophisticated, commercially-focused Head of Human Resources to lead the people function for a premier international professional services firm. We need a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of a high-performance environment and lead significant change programs.
Role Type: Permanent, Full-time.
Location: Auckland Central.
Flexibility: Modern hybrid working policy (3 days office, 2 days home).
Travel: Primarily domestic travel with occasional internat…..
Candidate Manager
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Candidate Manager - Kickstart Your Recruitment Career with Extrastaff
Are you ready to dive into a dynamic industry where people come first, no two days are the same, and your work truly makes a difference?
At Extrastaff, we’re on the hunt for an ambitious, outgoing individual who’s ready to break into the world of recruitment, sales, and client relationships. Based in Christchurch, you’ll be at the heart of the action — supporting a high-performing team, learning the ropes of 360 recruitment,