National Manager - People Operations and Systems

Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural resources science across six core missions: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate, Energy, Land and Freshwater, Atmosphere and Climate, and Oceans.This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500 staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million, including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of science delivery for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/.About The PositionEarth Sciences NZ is seeking a strategic and systems-focused National Manager – People Operations and Systems to lead a high-performing team and shape the future of our people operations. This is a pivotal leadership role that ensures the seamless delivery and continuous improvement of core HR services and systems across a newly merged organisation.As a key member of the People and Transformation unit, you will drive operational excellence, champion digital enablement, and embed a culture of efficiency, compliance, and innovation. This is a rare opportunity to influence the ways of working across a national science organisation, supporting workforce effectiveness and enabling future focused, scalable, data-informed service delivery.What You’ll DoLead end-to-end HR operations including payroll, recruitment, onboarding, employment agreements, and workforce data management.Oversee the implementation and optimisation of HR systems (HRIS, Payroll, LMS, HSMS).Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.Champion digital tools and data governance to enhance service delivery and employee experience.Provide strategic leadership and insights to support organisational goals.Collaborate across the People & Transformation unit to align HR operations with broader business prioritiesWhat You’ll BringProven experience in leading enterprise-level HR operations and systems.Demonstrated experience to lead HR operational improvements and ensure seamless, user-focused service delivery.Expertise in HRIS and Payroll implementation and governance.Strong understanding of NZ employment law and payroll compliance.A strategic mindset, with the ability to influence and lead change.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.What We OfferVaried, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing.Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits.A permanent, full time (40 hours per week) role at a location to be agreed.Apply nowIf this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.View the full position description for this role here - https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/. Please contact careers@gns.cri.nz with any questions or queries.Applications close: 11.55 pm on Tuesday, 25 November 2025