At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business partnering and employment relations, shaping a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join Ara Institute of Canterbury, a vibrant and progressive tertiary education provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with a focus on wellbeing and sustainable workloads.
- Why this job: Be a key player in enhancing employee experience and fostering strong leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and extensive HR leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced People and Culture leader to join our team in this senior leadership role leading our business partnering and employment relations functions and playing a key part in shaping the experience of our kaimahi across Ara. You’ll bring a strong, future-focused lens to your work, understanding the wider vocational education environment and what it means for our people, our learners and our communities.
Day to day, you’ll partner closely with leaders across Ara, providing trusted advice, leading complex employment relations work and building capability that supports strong, values-led leadership. You’ll also lead and develop a team of Business Partners and Senior Advisors, creating a supportive, high-performing environment where people feel valued and connected to the impact of their work. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to wider People and Culture initiatives that lift our systems, processes and employee experience.
A key part of this role is leading collective engagement and negotiations with unions, building on established relationships in a way that is constructive, transparent and grounded in good faith.
Skills and Experience
We’re looking for someone who brings depth of experience and a genuine passion for people, leadership and positive workplace culture. You’ll bring:
- Relevant qualification at Degree level (Master’s highly regarded/preferred)
- Extensive senior HR or People and Culture leadership experience in a complex environment
- Strong business partnering capability, with the ability to influence, coach and support leaders at all levels
- Deep knowledge of employment relations and New Zealand employment law, including experience managing complex cases and collective processes
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on development, wellbeing and sustainable workloads
- The ability to think strategically while staying close to operational delivery
- A collaborative style, with strong communication skills and sound judgement
- Experience in the tertiary or public sector would be helpful, along with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to applying this in practice.
About us
Ara Institute of Canterbury is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region. Our talented employees, innovative business collaborators and supportive community partners are passionate about the role they play in our learners' success. Ara is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering services in a manner that responds with excellence to the needs of Māori learners and their whānau, as well as the aspirations of iwi and Māori communities throughout our catchment (including Māori employers). To deliver effectively on this commitment, Ara recognises the need for a culturally competent and confident workforce vertically and horizontally across our organisation.
Apply now
We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email Recruitment@Ara.ac.nz.
Applications close – 11:55pm, Sunday 17 May 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.
Manager - Business Partnering in Kent employer: Ara Institute of Canterbury Ltd.
Ara Institute of Canterbury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, collaborative leadership, and a focus on cultural competence, Ara empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners and the wider community. Located in Christchurch, this vibrant institution fosters a supportive culture where innovative ideas thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and positive workplace culture.
Contact Detail:
Ara Institute of Canterbury Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Business Partnering in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the right choice for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Ara!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Business Partnering in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Manager - Business Partnering. Highlight your relevant experience in HR leadership and business partnering, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of employment relations and New Zealand law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for people and culture, and explain how your skills align with our values at Ara. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your experience in building high-performing teams and your collaborative approach. We want to see how you’ve developed others and created supportive environments in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our online application system! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ara Institute of Canterbury Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key aspects of People and Culture leadership, especially around employment relations and New Zealand law. Brush up on your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies to the role, as this will show your commitment to cultural competence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture. Think about specific situations where you’ve influenced leaders or supported your team’s development, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's culture, their approach to employee engagement, and how they envision the role contributing to their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the position.
✨Be Authentic
Let your passion for people and leadership shine through. Share your personal experiences and what drives you in this field. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through during the interview.
