HRBP & Associate Opportunities

About the opportunity

Massey University is seeking motivated HR professionals to join its People and Culture function in Palmerston North. The organisation connects research, commercialisation, teaching, and communities to create impact in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, and it operates with a Te Tiriti-based commitment to authentic partnership and a supportive environment where people and knowledge can flourish.

This hiring round covers two possible pathways: an entry-level HR Associate role for someone building a career in human resources, and an HR Business Partner role for an experienced professional ready for a client-facing advisory position. The final appointment will depend on experience and capability.

What the team does

The HR Business Partnering team delivers practical, end-to-end advice across a varied portfolio of client groups. The function is collaborative, agile, and focused on helping leaders and teams succeed while maintaining strong HR standards.

Key accountabilities

• Guide leaders in developing engaged teams with strong performance.
• Advise on the employee lifecycle, including employment relations, organisational change, performance, career development, and general HR matters.
• Support the implementation of HR policy, good practice, and compliance requirements.

Role pathway: HR Associate

• Suitable for an early-career HR professional who is still developing their capability.
• Provides day-to-day HR support and guidance while expanding knowledge and confidence.
• Works alongside HR Business Partners on advisory tasks and project-based work.

Role pathway: HR Business Partner

• Designed for an experienced HR adviser who can work with a higher level of independence.
• Acts as a trusted partner to senior leaders and helps shape people strategies and outcomes.
• Leads more complex advisory work, organisational development activity, and change initiatives.

What you will bring

You should be able to build strong relationships, communicate well with a wide range of people, use sound judgement, and contribute positively in a team setting. A customer-focused attitude, curiosity, willingness to keep learning, and the ability to turn people issues into workable solutions are important for success in either pathway.

Salary

The pay band depends on the level appointed. HR Associate roles sit at Grade 6, with a range of NZD 71,274 to 101,329. HR Business Partner roles sit at Grade 7, with a range of NZD 83,818 to 117,788.

Benefits

• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75% through the UniSaver scheme for eligible staff.
• Five university holidays each year in addition to annual leave.
• Subsidised Southern Cross healthcare cover for employees and their families.
• Discounted gym membership rates for staff on campus.
• Access to staff buying privileges and discounts with a range of businesses around New Zealand.
• On-campus crèche and day care options for dependents at the Manawatū and Auckland campuses.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Study fee concessions for Massey study, plus a 30% fee discount for immediate family members undertaking undergraduate study, subject to conditions.

Application guidance

Applicants should indicate whether they are being considered for the Associate or Business Partner level and outline the experience that supports that preference. The appointment will be made according to demonstrated capability and experience.

Workplace context

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand.