Deputy Director - Employment

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Counsel, the position focuses on managing two lawyers, advising on complex employment matters, providing strategic legal advice, and having oversight of the Veterans Affairs portfolio . It is a balanced mix of contentious and non-contentious employment law work. The ideal person will be ready to step up into a role that involves managing and mentoring a team, providing continuity and oversight, and effectively managing legal risks. This is not just about technical legal work but also about building relationships and engaging with HR and other senior stakeholders to drive outcomes.

Work will include advising on all aspects of employment law within the unique context of a mixed workforce, including:

• grievances and disputes
• performance and disciplinary processes
• complaints and investigations, employment agreements and restructuring processes
• union bargaining
• policy development
• appearing at mediations and the Employment Relations Authority

This role requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to lead through complexity. The successful candidate will need to bring confidence and experience to the table while fostering collaboration and alignment within the team.

This role is based in Wellington CBD with excellent flexibility on offer including the ability to work from home two days per week.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• 7+ years’ post admission experience.
• Strong technical expertise in employment law, including appearing at mediations and before the Employment Relations Authority.
• The ability to build effective relationships as well as a high level of discretion and confidence.
• An understanding of tikanga in relation to employment issues.
• Either management experience, or experience mentoring and supervising other lawyers and a desire step up into management.
• Stakeholder engagement is a key component of this position so you must bring strong interpersonal skills - building strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication will be essential to success.
• LLB Degree and the ability to hold a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all their benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Robert Walters is exclusively managing this recruitment for NZDF. Applications close on 28 September at 12pm but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested. If you’d like to join NZDF in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives, then apply now. Or, for a confidential discussion contact Apryl Burgess +64 27 816 9899 l apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. They embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. If you require any support throughout this recruitment process, please let us know.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Apryl Burgess on +6444719721.