HR Manager

Shape a people function with purpose

Newly created role to make your own

Support teams working in some of NZ’s most remarkable environments

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a not‑for‑profit on a bold mission: to restore Aotearoa/New Zealand’s wild places by removing invasive predators and protecting our native wildlife. More than a decade on from their beginnings as an ambitious start‑up, ZIP is now a highly capable organisation of 100 practitioners, scientists, engineers and enablers working across South Westland’s rainforests, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Rakiura/Stewart Island and Predator Free Wellington.

As ZIP continues to grow and scale its impact, a newly created opportunity now exists for an HR Manager to join this team of fantastic humans. This is a role with genuine scope, a chance to build, refine and elevate the People function, ensuring ZIP’s teams are supported, connected and empowered to deliver their conservation mission.

At ZIP, people are everything. The field teams trekking through South Westland’s rainforests, the scientists designing new predator control tools, the engineers solving complex problems, and the leaders guiding the mission. You’ll bring structure, clarity and care to HR processes, champion wellbeing, guide leaders, resolve challenges with empathy, and help grow capability across a diverse, passionate workforce.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong generalist HR capability and is ready for a position with more influence, more connection to the mahi, and the chance to design and improve how People systems support a fast‑growing organisation.

You’ll lead the People function day‑to‑day, including:

Providing trusted HR advice to leaders across ZIP’s project areas

Leading employment relations, conflict resolution and performance processes

Developing capability frameworks, training pathways and coaching managers

Maintaining and improving HR systems, policies and compliance

Supporting wellbeing, onboarding, offboarding and wider people initiatives

Managing and mentoring the Recruitment & Training Coordinator (currently on parental leave)

Building strong relationships across ZIP’s sites and teams, including travel to understand the mission firsthand

About You

You’ll bring solid HR generalist experience (typically 4+ years), strong knowledge of NZ employment law, and confidence navigating ER matters with fairness and empathy. You’ll be a natural relationship builder, someone who can connect with field technicians, scientists, engineers and executive leaders alike.

You’ll also value cultural competency, bring a commitment to Te Tiriti principles, and enjoy weaving tikanga‑aligned practices into HR approaches.

Most importantly, you’ll be adaptable, pragmatic and motivated by purpose. ZIP’s environment is dynamic, mission driven and full of passionate people. You’ll thrive in a role where no two days look the same.

What’s on Offer

A newly created role with genuine scope to shape the People function

Hybrid working from ZIP’s Christchurch base

Travel to some of NZ’s most beautiful and ecologically significant regions

A caring, connected and innovative team culture

* The chance to use your HR skills for genuine environmental good

If you’re an HR professional who wants your work to matter, to support people who are protecting Aotearoa’s future, this role offers purpose, variety and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Apply now through SEEK or contact Kerri Jennings at [email protected] for more information.

ZIP has chosen to work with Echelon Group exclusively for the recruitment of this position. To be considered, you must apply through Echelon Group directly.