Senior People & Culture Advisor (12 month FTC)

We are looking for a Senior People & Culture (P&C) Advisor (Business Partner) to join our P&C team in the Auckland office on a fixed term contract for a parental leave cover.

About the role

The People & Culture team supports the firm across our people framework at Russell McVeagh to ensure everyone at the firm can thrive.   You will provide timely, professional and efficient P&C services to Partners and employees in line with the strategic goals of the firm. 

This is an excellent opportunity to excel across all P&C functions. You will coach people managers, guide employees on people-related matters and build their understanding of the firm's procedures and policies.   You will also manage some of the firm's strategic D&I initiatives. 

In this role, you will:

• Business partner with legal and business services teams on a range of P&C matters;
• Manage the Diversity & Inclusion workplan to achieve the firm's D&I strategy;
• Manage the engagement survey processes;
• Manage P&C related reporting, and actioning any outcomes required from these reports.

About you

We're looking for a dynamic and proactive P&C practitioner who has:

• At least five years of experience in a generalist P&C role;
• A sound knowledge of employment law and general P&C related applications and issues;
• The ability to take ownership of projects and focus on outcomes;
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and relationship building skills;

Why join us?

Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's premier law firm committed to operating at the cutting edge of legal practice. Our award-winning team of lawyers across Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau and Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara are internationally recognised for their thought leadership, depth of experience and ability to translate complex legal issues into client success stories.

We work on New Zealand's most significant and highly complex transactions, many of which have cross-border considerations. This includes transactions for major corporates, Government projects of national significance, and key infrastructure projects to help shape New Zealand.

Our national business services team supports the day-to-day operation of the firm across a broad range of areas including, marketing, communication, business development and client experience; IT; finance and business analysis; hospitality and events; reception and general business support.

Our values of Respect | Manaaki, Curiosity | Māhirahira, Excellence | Whai hiranga and Tenacity | Whakapau kaha reflect who we are and how we work together.

What we offer  

We offer a range of benefits designed to support our people to perform at their best:

• Wellbeing support – An annual allowance to invest in what matters most to you, alongside access to confidential counselling services and a range of wellbeing resources.
• Flexible working – Support to work your way.
• Making life easier – Public transport benefit through our employee platform, plus late-night travel support and meals when you need it.
• Time off, your way – The flexibility to swap public holidays to suit your cultural celebration preferences, and the option to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave.
• Tools to thrive – High-quality, firm-provided technology, so you can stay connected and do your best work.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. Please click here for further information about Russell McVeagh's diversity and inclusion vision and commitment.

Our firm is invested in achieving transformational change and having a positive impact.  Our 2026 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Overview outlines our firm's progress on our commitment towards helping to shape a sustainable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.

For a confidential chat please email Sarah Carrel, at sarah.carrel@russellmcveagh.com.