• Lead the people portfolio through transformational change.
• Contribute to the future strategic direction of the company as part of the executive leadership team.
• Uplift capability and champion the values of the business.

Competitive salary + vehicle

At Everest, we are all about people. We work with our clients and candidates to build great relationships so we can match the right person to the right role.

Here’s our latest opportunity!

About the role
We are partnering with a New Zealand-based manufacturing organisation entering a pivotal new chapter of evolution and renewal – choosing to do things differently. With a refreshed executive leadership team and a strong mandate for transformation, the business is seeking a strategic, courageous, and commercially savvy Head of People & Culture to shape and lead its people function into the future.

This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting as a trusted advisor and people strategist. You will be responsible for leading a capable and committed People & Culture team based at multiple sites in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and for driving cultural change, leadership capability, and people practices that enable the business to deliver on its commercial and operational ambitions.

The journey of change is not an easy one and will not be without its challenges. Your ability to build trust and credibility within the business, providing a clear sense of direction to bring people along with you, will be critical to your success.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the CEO, executive team and Board on all aspects of people, culture, leadership, and organisational effectiveness.
• Work constructively with union representatives, managing collective employment relationships effectively to create appropriate ER/ IR strategies for now and into the future.
• Lead the design and delivery of the People & Culture strategy, aligned with the organisation’s goals.
• Embed modern and future-focused people practices while navigating legacy systems and traditional ways of working.
• Coach, develop and empower others to provide high-quality support to their teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, continuous improvement and performance.

What we’re looking for
We are seeking a seasoned senior HR professional who has:

• A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business or related field.
• Experience in leading the end-to-end people function within a complex, industrial or operationally intensive environment – experience with a unionised workforce would be a distinct advantage.
• A track record of enabling business transformation through people and culture strategy.
• Strong commercial/ business acumen and a genuine curiosity to contribute to the overall organisational success.
• The ability to influence and challenge constructively at the executive level, building sustained relationships through trust and credibility.
• Strength in leadership development, organisational design, change management and employee relations.
• A pragmatic, grounded approach and the patience and skill to bring people with you on a long-term journey of change.

Why join?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a well-established business with proud roots and real potential. If you're looking for meaningful impact, strategic challenge, and the chance to lead a strong team in a business that’s ready for evolution – this role offers all of that and more.

How to apply
Looking for your next step? Apply now!

For a confidential chat, please call Helen Dale, Recruitment Partner, on 027 267 9725

Please note: Due to the confidential nature of this appointment, further information about the organisation will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.